Vincenzo has spent around 20 years in the hospitality industry across Switzerland, Australia, and the UK. He is currently the Head Sommelier at Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester. In conversation with Sid Patel, Founder and CEO of Beverage Trade Network, Vincenzo opens up about the onboarding process of a sommelier.

It is commonly assumed that all one needs to be a successful sommelier is knowledge about the industry at large. While knowledge is primary, what is also integral to finding the right sommelier is the attitude they have towards their work and their industry. Vincenzo stresses the fact that knowledge can be acquired through time but the attitude and mindset make all the difference. It is also important that a good sommelier helps their guests find the right bottle at the right price and ensure they have a great experience.

Head to this Video to watch Vincenzo Arnese share his insights on how to find the right Sommelier - Team fit.

About Vincenzo Arnese

Originating from Napoli, Vincenzo developed a keen interest in wine from a young age, when his grandfather made him try his homemade wine at the age of five. This moment had a strong impression on him; so much so, that he decided to study hospitality and specialize in sommellerie, while at hospitality school in Stresa in Italy.

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Following this, Vincenzo went on to work for prestigious hotels in Switzerland, England, and Australia, starting in 2008 at The Waterside Inn, in Bray. Moving to Australia’s culinary capital, Melbourne in 2012, Vincenzo’s next roles were in some of the most prestigious establishments including Vue de Monde, one of Australia’s finest gastronomic restaurants. Leaving Australia for London, Vincenzo took the position of Head Sommelier & Wine Buyer with Heston Blumenthal in 2013.

Since 2021, Vincenzo Arnese has been Head Sommelier at the famous three Michelin star Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester. He has graduated with his WSET Diploma and successfully accomplished the Advanced examination of the Court of Master Sommelier. He was the winner of the Bellavita/UKSA ‘Best Sommelier UK’ in 2015 and was Runner up of the 2019 UK Ruinart Sommelier Challenge.

This conversation was hosted at the London Wine Competition where Vincenzo Arnese was a judge.

About The London Wine Competition

The London Wine Competition is an international wine competition organized by Beverage Trade Network. The competition looks to recognise, reward and help promote wine brands that have successfully been created to identify with and target a specific wine drinker. For any wine brand to earn its place on a retailer’s shelf or a restaurant’s wine list -  and then vitally stay there - they need to be marketable and consumer-driven and not just produced in the general hope it can find enough people willing to sell and buy it.