Have you ever wondered what it takes to become a successful sommelier? Meet Stefano Barberino, the Head Sommelier & Wine Buyer at The Northall & Garden Lounge Corinthia London and a Certified Sommelier at Court Master Sommelier Europe.
"With Coravin anything is possible and accessible."
At Coravin, we are immensely grateful for the passionate and skilled sommeliers like Stefano who continue to inspire and educate wine enthusiasts around the world. Their dedication to their craft and their ability to create memorable wine experiences are at the heart of our mission.
Through his work Stefano is able to introduce guests to a wider range of wines by the glass, encouraging exploration and discovery in a way that was once impossible. Join us as we delve into Stefano's fascinating journey and learn how his love for wine has grown through the years!
The "Dream in the Drawer"
Stefano's love for wine began in an unexpected way, in a previous interview he described it as living with a “dream in the drawer”.
He reveals, "I was trying to get into the army however, I reached always -0.5 than the minimum required (a bit of bad luck here too). The interest and love for wine started by watching a TV show on Sunday lunch where the Somm had to do a blind tasting as well as food and wine pairing, so I was intrigued and inspired by this when at some point I started looking for the various courses in Italy. Then I found the AIS and moved to Milan in Jan 2013 doing my level 1 until Feb 2014 when I got my level 3 Diploma."
When asked what continues to drive his passion for wine, Stefano shares, "Wine is such a complex and wild topic that's why it keeps me always motivated. I need to be active and learn something new to stimulate myself as I can get bored of things quickly. If you think you can travel and visit any Country of the World by reading and learning something new every day… why not? What else gives you the chance to do so? Also, every piece of vineyard in the World has something unique, it's not just soils and vines, the surrounding will always be special to each place."
Stefano's Personal Favorite Wine Region and Varietal?
"I am in love with Nebbiolo, and I will always have a Barbaresco over a Barolo due its finesse and elegant tannins. I've always loved the characteristics of this grape, from the colour when developing to earthiness and mineral component. It never makes me tired, and I will always have one in my cellar to share with family and friends. I had a Barbaresco 'Paje' 1989 by Produttori del Barbaresco and I will never forget how stunning it was."
How to Curate Exceptional Wine Lists?
Stefano's approach to curating wine lists is all about understanding guests' preferences and the clientele of the establishment. He explains, "French and Italian wines will always be the majority in a wine list but of course it is important to have diversity. For example, in my opinion South Africa is doing an amazing job especially with Chenin Blanc and this is up to us Somms to share it and let the guests try and discover new things. Coravin has been a revolution in a positive way of course, nobody would ever think to open some prestigious wines as the first growths or Supertuscans and serve them by the glass. With Coravin anything is possible and accessible."
When it comes to showing off wines to customers using Coravin, Stefano has a few favorites. "As my favorite grape is Nebbiolo, there will always be a Barbaresco or Barolo by Coravin, however I love showcasing great white, Burgundy such as Puligny-Montrachet or Meursault as well as some of the fine Chateaux in Bordeaux. Chateau Talbot or Lynch-Bages to name some."
Coravin at Home:
Stefano's love for wine and Coravin extends beyond his professional life. He shares, "Yes, I do for both, still and sparkling and it's one of the best things it could happen. I always like to try different things hence why Coravin has given me the opportunity to do so. I do not have to open the whole bottle anymore, and I can enjoy a glass of anything as if I would be a guest but in my own flat. But again, because I like sharing wine with friends and family then I can have the same fun with them at home and let them taste different things, even blind!"
Stefano Barbarino's passion for wine is truly infectious. we can't help but feel excited about the endless possibilities that the world of wine has to offer!
Explore the full Coravin range today to begin your story.
