Davide Dargenio, Best Sommelier of Italy 2018
Davide Dargenio is 29 years young, but he has been working as a sommelier for 10 years already. Becoming Best Sommelier of Italy in 2018 was his best result, but not his first competition, since he previously took 2nd and 3rd place at previous editions of this national contest. He studied at the Carlo Porta school of hospitality, in Milan, and his sommelier specialisation with the Italian Association of Professional Sommeliers (ASPI).
Today he works at the École hotelière de Lausanne hospitality et management school, as head sommelier and educator at the school restaurant.
Q: What is your greatest challenge, working as a sommelier?
My greatest challenge, every day, is to give the right message to my students, and to understand my guests and give them the best advice possible. Another great challenge is to study all the time, to learn about new wines and small appellations, so that we can offer them to customers.
Q: What does the sommelier profession bring you?
It has given me an amazing job, lots of knowledge and most importantly, passion. This is not simply a job: it’s my life. This work is my passion.
Q: Who are your idols, in the world of sommeliers?
My idols are Giuseppe Vaccarini, my former teacher, who was also the Best Sommelier of the World in 1978. There is also Isa Bal, best sommelier of Europe 2008, and many other sommeliers who helped me become the Best Sommelier of Italy 2018.
Q: Who are your favorites for the upcoming World’s Best Sommelier competition?
I think my favorite is Raimonds Tomsons, but we will see. Maybe we will find a new sommelier that we didn’t know before as the winner.