Interview With A Sommelier – Agustina Basilico

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, we speak with Agustina Basilico, the Head of Beverage at Toklas in London, who is currently helping many wonderful people to discover the vast world of Champagne and Sparkling Wines, let’s find out about her incredible life in the world of wine.

It’s Nice To Speak With You, Can You Tell Us About Yourself & What Inspired You To Become a Sommelier?

“My career in hospitality started in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where I attended cooking school before going on to work as a chef in Paris. It was during this time I came to the realisation that speaking to guests and crafting a shared experience beyond food was my true passion. This led me to the world of beverages and wine. My first time tasting natural wine made me instantly interested in understanding wine as an artisanal product, and not just another beverage served in restaurants. Since then I have dedicated myself to exploring and sharing the world of wine.”

Do You Remember Your First Experience With Sparkling Wine?

“My earliest memory of sparkling wine comes from celebrating Christmas with my family in Argentina. My family aren’t big drinkers, but every Christmas, my grandad would always get a few cases of delicious sparkling wine. Naturally, I now hold a special place in my heart for sparkling wine. Like with most drinks, as I grow older, I find myself getting closer to some and drifting away from others, but sparkling wine is one that just keeps growing on me. I continue to appreciate its complexity, its evolution, and, of course, those mind-blowing bubbles!”

What’s The Most Surprising & Interesting Thing You’ve Learned About Wine?

“One of the most fascinating things I’ve learned about wine is how endlessly complex and alive it is. The way a single grape variety can express itself so differently depending on where it’s grown, how it’s made, and even how it ages so beautifully. But what surprises me the most is how wine has this incredible ability to bring people together – whether it’s sharing a special bottle, discovering new regions, or just having a conversation over a glass. It’s not just about what’s in the bottle, but the stories, history, and emotions that come with it.”

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

“Champagne, naturally. It’s timeless and always special. But recently I’ve been really impressed by Catalan sparkling wines. There’s a whole world beyond Cava, with producers experimenting with different methods, indigenous grapes, and longer aging processes. It’s exciting to see how the region is evolving and pushing boundaries while still delivering incredible quality.”

What Advice Would You Give Inspiring Sommeliers?

“Stay curious and taste as much as possible. Developing your palate takes time and experience, so seek out opportunities to try different styles, regions, and producers. Also, never underestimate the power of storytelling – understanding the history and passion behind a wine can make a big impact on the person you are sharing it with.”

Asked on Behalf of Champagne Collectors – What’s The Oldest Vintage Champagne You’ve Tasted?

“One of the oldest vintage Champagnes I’ve had the pleasure of tasting was on my 30th birthday, when I celebrated with a Champagne from my birth year, 1991. I enjoyed a 1991 Philipponnat Clos des Goisses Extra Brut, and it was an extraordinary experience. The way older Champagnes evolve – developing rich, nutty, honeyed, and toasted notes while still retaining their elegance – is truly magical.”

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

Photo Credit belongs to Toklas, Glass of Bubbly was granted permission to use the image.