Tell us about your background and how you got into wine?
I started working in a local pizzeria in Italy when I was very young. After that, I went to hospitality school and started taking wine courses. The moment that really changed everything for me was at Vinitaly, where I tasted Marsala alongside Sherry. That tasting opened my eyes, and I realised that I wanted to build my career in wine.
What has been your wine career up to now?
Michele Shah says you need to be determined and prepared to work hard to become a Master Sommelier
I've always focused on building my knowledge and developing my skills to become a better sommelier. For me, it's always been about giving guests and customers the best experience possible while continuing to learn every day.
Why did you want to be a sommelier, and what training did you do to become one?
Originally, I wanted to become a maître d' with strong wine knowledge and work in some of the best restaurants in the world. But once I started studying wine, tasting seriously and discovering more about it, I realised I wanted to become a sommelier.
I took my first wine course when I was 15 years old in Italy, and since then I've continued studying through many more courses, tastings and practical experience. In wine, you never stop learning.
Congratulations on becoming a Master Sommelier - why did you want to take the next step and train to be a Master Sommelier?
For me, it was all about knowledge. I've always admired the level of expertise and skill that Master Sommeliers have, and I wanted to challenge myself to reach that level. It took a lot of hard work, but it was a goal I really believed in.
How did you find the study and training involved?
It was hard. It took many years of studying, tasting and staying focused to reach this level. There were difficult moments, but it's been an amazing journey, and I feel like I'm only just getting started.
What have been the most challenging aspects of being a Master Sommelier?
I have only been a Master Sommelier for a few months, but I can see people look at you in a different way.
What advice would you give to other MS students about what they need to succeed - the key steps they need to take and focus on?
Be consistent and don't give up. It takes time to build the knowledge, tasting skills and experience needed to become a Master Sommelier. There are no shortcuts, but if you stay focused, work hard and keep learning, you can achieve your goal.
How do you hope becoming an MS will help in your career?
Michele Fazari sees becoming a Master Sommelier as the next important step as he develops his career
I don't think becoming a Master Sommelier will change my career overnight. I'm sure it will create opportunities over time, but at the end of the day, it's still up to me to make the most of them. Success always comes from hard work.
Who have been the most important people in your career in helping you achieve this success?
I've been very lucky to have great people supporting me throughout my journey. Jan Konetzki, Dimitri Mesnard and Pierre-Marie Pattieu have all been incredibly important, and I'm very grateful for their guidance and encouragement.
Anything else to say?
Becoming a Master Sommelier is a huge honour, but for me it's not the finish line. It's another step in a lifelong journey of learning, improving and sharing my passion for wine with others.
* You can find out more about how to train as a sommelier and Master Sommelier at the Court of Master Sommeliers website.
