Raising the glass

Meet the female sommeliers leading the local wine lists

Amandine Rouviere, Applejack Hospitality Group Sommelier,  RAFI, North Sydney

“Right now we only have female sommeliers on our team. It wasn’t intentional, but it’s clear women in wine are becoming more and more prominent. It’s great to see more women working in this field. Wine is a friend to everyone, irrespective of gender after all.

Growing up in the South of France, my dad worked in a vineyard and I’d often go to work with him. When I started working in hospitality, I quickly realised my interest lay in wine. After learning the basics, I was an Apprentice Sommelier at a Three Star Michelin restaurant before spending time at Michel Roux Jr’s  Le Gavroche in London. I now work for Applejack Hospitality, who own The Botanist in Kirribilli and RAFI in North Sydney, where I’m based. I always encourage our guests to try something new and I love sharing wine, and the stories of wine, with them.”

Samantha Belt, Head Sommelier, Poetica Bar and Grill, North Sydney

“What used to be a “boys club” now has so many women in it. I’m so lucky to have been guided and influenced by so many powerful and confident female sommeliers who came before me. By the time I joined the club I was surrounded by role models and women I could look up to and learn from. Louella Mathews for one hosts women-led wine events which I love attending.

Networking is important to feel a sense of community and create spaces where we can celebrate and champion each other. Also attending formal tastings and events, being present as a female in the wine industry, and being seen by the younger generation, is so important for them to believe in their future and their career development as a woman.

The best thing about being a sommelier is how wine connects you to people around the world. Wine grows in almost every country and so you learn about all these histories, cultures, and traditions. When you meet people, they are so generous and excited to share it all with you and it is just fantastic. Wine and its trends are constantly evolving and changing, now more than ever, so it really is an awesome commitment.

“Northsiders drink Chablis like it’s mineral water!”

Poetica’s wine list has approximately 600 labels and is heavily rooted in classical Australian wine regions and varieties with depth and age as well. The list is heavier on the red side being a grill and we have a dry-ageing program, so we want to champion the best wines that the food helps come to life. The same ethos is reflected in the international offering with historical and well-loved regions - we can take our guests anywhere through the glass. Looking after the land and vineyards is so important for the future of wine so we actively work with those who are committed to sustainability.

Our guests in North Sydney have a real appreciation for wine and love exploring different regions and styles. Northsiders also drink Chablis like it’s mineral water! They love to chat wine, which is always a good time.”

Louella Mathews, Trippas White Group’s Group Sommelier,  Me-Gal at Taronga Zoo, Mosman

“Women are kick ass at this job and I’ve always grabbed the advantage and run with it. We’re very fortunate to have brilliant women come before us, like Kim Bickley and Amanda Yallop. They really led the way and I’m very thankful to them. I always look out for who’s coming up, the next generation. If there’s new faces at tastings, I make a point of talking to them, and I encourage people to message me if they need advice. I’m really happy to help if I can.

I was 25 when I got my first pin and have been a sommelier for 10 years now. I currently look after 18 venues, including the beautiful Me-Gal at Taronga Zoo in Mosman. The wine list there has a huge focus on Australian wines. Fifty per cent of the wines are also made by female wine makers, and we have a code on the menu to highlight them.

Wine is truly special in the moment you drink it. It’s who you’re drinking it with, where you are, the story behind the wine...Whether you’re coming for lunch with friends and want an oaky chardonnay or if you’re celebrating and want a really nice champagne, I try to create lists that capture those moments. I like there to be something accessible and enjoyable for everyone.”