Sommelier of the Month (UK): Adam Pawlowski MS
Our Sommelier of the month for January 2015 is Adam Pawlowski MS, who is Head Sommelier at Northcote Manor.
Adam has very kindly answered a selection of questions which are below along with his reponse.
How did you get into the wine industry?
I always liked wine but did not know much about it, when I moved to the UK about I found the wine being very accessible and affordable. Buying and tasting different wines has become my hobby and I had a huge desire to get to know more about it. I did a WSET course and started looking for wine related jobs. I have applied to Northcote for the Assistant Sommelier position and luckily they have given me the opportunity to join the team.
Why do you enjoy using Riedel glassware within your hotel/restaurant?
My goal is to provide the best wine experience to our customers day in day out. I simply believe that by using Riedel glassware we are letting our guests to enjoy wines at their best. A tremendous amount of knowledge and know-how that goes into creating different types of glasses pays off at the table and make dining experience much more interesting.
What reaction do you get from customers when you serve their wines in different varietal specific glasses?
Customers are fascinated by the different shapes and sizes of glasses, they are very interested in listening about the philosophy behind it. I have no doubt that varietal specific glasses enhance the aromas and flavours of specific wines but also make wine experience more interesting and more fun.
Whats been your greatest wine experience?
I have been very fortunate to have had many great wine experiences but I like to think that the greatest one is still to come.
Whats been the funniest ‘wine’ moment in your career?
The funniest wine moments always happen at my wine trips, especially when I go somewhere with a bunch of Sommeliers. Just to mention one a couple of years ago while visiting Douro Valley we found ourselves barefoot, half naked crushing grapes and dancing in massive Lagares filled with grape juice. That was a fun day!
Whats been your biggest ‘wine’ faux pas?
When I knocked a decanter on a lady and covered her light coloured dress with red wine. The lady got very upset and I am afraid I ruined her evening. It is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to me on the restaurant floor.