Q&A: Argentinian sommeliers Valeria Gamper and Andrea Donadio

The drinks business caught up with Argentinian sommeliers Andrea Donadio and Valeria Gamper to find out more about their recent achievements and accolades.

DB: How did it feel to be involved in the Best Sommelier in Argentina competition this year?
AD: It was a great experience full of personal challenges. The most important thing is that you really enjoy the whole process.

DB: What was the biggest challenge?
AD: Being a mother, the biggest challenge was coordinating schedules between my personal and professional life.

DB: How have the Best Sommelier competitions helped you since your success?
VG: It has given me more confidence, and enabled me to compete at an international level, and has kept me training and trying to get better throughout the years.

DB: What did you enjoy most about the event?
AD: It was very nice to enjoy the contest in Mendoza. The organisation was incredible.

DB: Tell us a little of your experience of the competition?
VG: This was my first world championship. It was hard, with a lot of challenging tasks, including a really difficult written test, practical service exercises and blind tastings. In addition to that, the level of the other competitors was very high.

DB: How might you encourage anyone to enter themselves and what should they be prepared for?
AD: Any sommelier who is summoned to this contest should come to live the experience.

DB: As you know, the competition had a few initial stages – the theory and the blind tasting as well as wine service. Which did you enjoy the most and why?
AD: I really like blind tasting. I enjoy the step-by-step.

DB: We heard that this year there were a lot of entrants? How did you feel about competing against people you knew?
AD: It was nice to meet some colleagues and friends but it never felt like you were competing against any of them. The format of these contests is more academic than sports, so it feels more like a shared experience than a confrontation against others.

DB: Were there ever any other women who inspired you to follow the path you did?
AD: In my country there are many women who have traced the path that I am following today. I thank Maria Barrutia, Flavia Rizzuto and Valeria Gamper who, in addition to marking the north, have supported me throughout the process.

DB: What advice would you give any other female sommeliers starting out in the industry?
VG: I would recommend to train and continue to train and challenge yourself day by day, and to look to other women for inspiration and also inspire others. They have taught us to compete with each other instead of helping each other and networking. It’s time to change.

DB: What do you wish people knew more about in terms of Argentinian wine?
VG: That we are a country of contrasts and diversity, and the quality has never been higher. We are much more than Malbec, we produced every style of wine possible. And of course I would love every wine lover to rediscover Torrontés!

DB: Describe the importance of having female professionals within the Argentinian wine industry and how this helps to shape things for the future.
VG: First of all, I think it is the right thing. Second, having female professionals, especially in senior and management positions will encourage other women to enter the industry and make it more equal.

DB: What’s next for you now? What will you focus on?
AD: As the current best sommelier in Argentina my next goal is to prepare for the Pan American.