Professionals in the Sober Sommelier Industry Discuss Their Experiences and Insights
Revisiting the Swirl: Insights from Sobriety in the Wine World
Wine enthusiasts often find themselves entwined in a world of delectable flavors, social gatherings, and industry wisdom. For sommeliers, this devotion to viniculture can be all-consuming. But what if moderation crept into this passionate scene? That's exactly what's happening, as the concept of 'sober sommeliers' becomes more prevalent.
Just a short while ago, the idea of a sober sommelier might have seemed almost surreal. Yet here we are, rubbing elbows with these enlightened professionals who imbibe wine without the alcohol.
"There's a noticeable trend moving towards moderation and healthier consumption," says Federica Zanghirella, the vice president of the UK Sommelier Association. This shift is particularly prevalent among the younger generation, who tend to spit out their wine samples rather than swallow them, unlike their more mature counterparts [1].
Choosing Sobriety as a Lifestyle
Abe Zarate, a sober sommelier hailing from the bustling New York restaurant Crane Club, exemplifies a life transformed. Having grown up with easy access to alcohol, Zarate struggled with moderation issues. After hitting rock bottom, he decided to make a change at the age of 33 [2].
"As a sommelier, you're surrounded by beverages, and for someone in their mid-20s with unresolved issues, the consequences can be severe," Zarate explains. He crafted a plan to replace alcohol with other ways to feel good, such as ordering takeout or watching movies, so he wouldn't feel deprived.
Though he's had to distance himself from a few friends to avoid temptation, Zarate has managed to continue working as a sommelier, tasting and spitting but never swallowing [2]. In an effort to inspire others, Zarate runs an Instagram account (@sober_somm) where he shares his experiences and offers support to fellow alcohol-averse wine lovers.
The Power of Moderation
Moderation isn't solely for those battling alcoholism. Laura Vidal, a 40-year-old sommelier based in Marseille, made the choice to go sober without having been afflicted by alcoholism previously. She stopped drinking almost six years ago and hasn't looked back [3].
"I had a brutal hangover the day after my 35th birthday, and I decided to take a break. I discovered how empowered and free I felt, and I realized I wanted to continue," Vidal explains. Like Zarate, Vidal continues to taste wine but never consumes alcohol [3].
While these are extreme cases, there are countless wine enthusiasts attempting to moderate their intake rather than abstaining altogether. Vanessa Stoltz, head sommelier at Michelin one-star Restaurant Pine in Northumberland, began intentionally cutting back on alcohol last summer as part of her quest for a more balanced lifestyle [3].
Stoltz no longer drinks alcohol during her working week and only indulges in a drink on one day over the weekend, choosing lower-alcohol drinks like 3% beer and making sure to hydrate with water in between [3].
An Invitation to Inclusion
As sommeliers embrace moderation, they make the experience more enjoyable for consumers seeking to tame their own wine consumption.
"I now understand the importance of inclusion," Zarate says, stressing the need to ensure that non-drinking guests still feel welcome and part of the same experience. This mindset includes thoughtful presentation and serving non-alcoholic beverages in fancy glassware [3].
In the ever-evolving world of wine, the concept of sobriety among sommeliers offers valuable insights for maintaining a harmonious relationship with this cherished beverage. Whether it's moderating consumption or choosing to abstain, the key remains finding balance and enjoying the complex flavors and experiences wine has to offer.
- The trend towards moderation and healthier consumption in the wine world is notable, as seen in the shift towards sober sommeliers like Abe Zarate, who found a new lifestyle by abstaining from alcohol.
- Sommeliers like Laura Vidal, who chose sobriety without alcoholism issues, demonstrate that moderation isn't solely for recovering alcoholics, and that a balanced lifestyle can still offer the complex flavors and experiences wine has to offer.
