Interview With A Sommelier – Mikhail Kuchin

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 article, I speak with a man who has helped many people to discover the vast world of Wines and Sparkling Wines, his name is Mikhail Kuchin. Let’s find out a bit about his life as a Sommelier.

Tell Us About Yourself

“I started my career in F&B back in 2006. My professional path was always connected with beverage management – started from mixology and service in the bar and followed by managing up to 6 bars and creating wine programs rewarded by Wine Spectator.”

What Inspired You To Become a Sommelier?

“At some point during my tenure in one of the bars, I have realized that no one is particularly interested or has any relevant knowledge about the wines on offer and that staff members felt rather shy discussing any specifics with our guests. This ignited my interest in winemaking and the wine story in general, which quickly morphed into a passion.”

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

“In one of my many deep dives into the culture of wine, I have uncovered that the philosophical concepts of personality are closely linked with the discovery of wine.”

How Often Do You Find Yourself Recommending English Sparkling Wine?

“Wine cannot be disconnected from the narrative. I often see amusement in eyes of our guests when I tell them a story of Bride Valley’s founder – Steven Spurrier.”

In Your Professional Opinion, Out Of Champagne And Prosecco, Which Do You Think Does A Better Job With Complementing A Meal?

“Champagne is unbeatable. The range of styles allows finding a wine for every course – from apéritif to digestif.”

What Advice Would You Give Aspiring Sommeliers?

“Look at my answer for a second question and summarize it in one word – advantage.”

If You Sat Down For A Quiet Dinner, What Dish And Sparkling Wine Would You Choose To Enjoy Together?

“My ideal evening with sparkling – is a bottle of Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle on its own. I believe that the only accompaniment this masterpiece needs is unremitting attention.”

Thank you, Mikhail, 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 Mikhail Kuchin. Glass of Bubbly was granted permission to use them.