Interview With A Sommelier – Maria Ivchenko

The World of Wine is beautifully showcased by an army of talented Sommeliers, who help the consumer discover their next favourite bottle, understand the different regions and pair a delicious meal with the right Glass of Bubbly.

In this feature, I speak with a woman from Iceland, who has helped many people discover the vast world of Wines and Sparkling Wines, her name is Maria Ivchenko, let’s find out about her life as a Sommelier.

Tell Us About Yourself

“Hello, my name is Maria Ivchenko. I was born and raised in Ukraine in a small mining town. My childhood was filled with the sight of smokestacks, gray houses, and unhappy people. I graduated from school and moved to the city of Dnipro. My first job was as a waitress in the Winovnik wine restaurant. I was fortunate to work there because it had the largest wine list in the city and numerous awards. I was 18 years old, and it felt like a magical place to me. We received training on wine, and we had to know every wine and how to sell it. Later, the restaurant received a second Wine Spectator award, and the wine list doubled in size, which is when my interest awakened.

I read educational books at home and at work, studied tons of materials, and dreamt of visiting a winery and talking to winemakers because I had so many questions and no one to answer them. I later became a manager at the same restaurant, and for someone as young as me, it was a significant accomplishment. However, even then, I knew that it wasn’t what I wanted to pursue.

After some time, I was offered the position of a sommelier at another place, and I accepted it. That’s when my solo career in the wine industry began. I conducted wine tastings every week and gained popularity. After a while, I was invited to other restaurants as a sommelier to provide consultations and tastings. I decided that my knowledge needed validation and took the L2 WSET exam, eagerly awaiting the opportunity to start the next level. At the same time, I started working for a large wine import company. Everything seemed to be going wonderfully, but there’s always a ‘but’. I made the decision to move due to military actions, and I chose Iceland. Now, I’m here, looking for an opportunity to return to my beloved profession.”

Do You Remember Your First Experience With Sparkling Wine? When It Was And What Kind Of Wine It Was?

“My first encounters with wine happened during family gatherings. My grandmother’s love for brut didn’t quite resonate with me back then. The taste seemed sour and bitter. However, as I gained more experience in wine through my work, my perspective completely changed.

During my career, I developed a taste for wine. I learned to appreciate its intricate flavors, the art of pairing, and the subtleties that make wine so fascinating. What was once a perplexing and sour drink turned into a source of wonder and fascination. My journey in the wine industry allowed me to explore and appreciate the depth and complexity of this age-old beverage.”

What Inspired You To Become a Sommelier?

“I used to think that this profession was far from my reach, like an exclusive, secret club only accessible to mature men. Many of the individuals I met in the field fit that description—elegant, knowledgeable, and highly esteemed in society. I was curious to discover what lay behind those club doors, what made them so refined and valued.

It was like entering a world of mystery and sophistication. I wanted to understand the secrets of this elite group and unlock the knowledge and elegance they possessed. Little did I know that my journey into the wine industry would lead me to unravel the hidden treasures and unlock the doors of that exclusive club.”

During Your Time As A Sommelier, What’s The Most Surprising & Interesting Thing You’ve Learnt?

“Exploring the world of wine is like unlocking a treasure trove of knowledge. When you dive into it, you discover so much that you never imagined. It’s not just about enjoying wine; it’s like being a detective, scientist, history buff, nature lover, storyteller, and business expert all at once. It’s a journey where you get to try on different professional hats, but you get to be all of them at the same time.”

What Sparkling Wine Producing Countries or Regions Hold A Special Place In Your Heart?

“I believe Champagne and Crémants, particularly those of the new generation, would make an exceptional choice. Considering the outstanding quality of refreshing sparkling wines produced by Austria and New Zealand, it might be worthwhile to maintain a keen focus on these regions.”

What Advice Would You Give Inspiring Sommeliers?

“Don’t shy away from showcasing yourself, and be open to trying as much as you can. Grab attention, put in the effort, organize cool events, and don’t stay in one place. And of course, keep growing and learning new things!”

Where’s The Most Memorable Place You’ve Enjoyed A Glass of Bubbly?

“Such moments hold a special place, often detached from professional life, occurring within the intimate circle of loved ones. Recently, we selected a bottle of sparkling wine from New Zealand, a pure Sauvignon Blanc, for a simple dinner. As we poured the second glass, the Northern Lights graced the sky, creating an indescribable and unforgettable sensation. These moments, irrespective of wine quality, imprint themselves as cherished memories.”

Thank you, Maria, for sharing your words, knowledge and experiences with us and we at Glass of Bubbly wish you the very best for the future!

Images belong to Maria Ivchenko. Glass of Bubbly was granted permission, to use them.