Head Sommelier - Yohann Jousselin, MS

Tell us a bit about you…

I started my career in a French restaurant in the Loire Valley, and this is where my thirst for wine knowledge began. Moving to England in 2003 was a big step for me, but I felt that it was the place to be to learn more about wine, and I was right! I’ve learned so much from working at the Hotel du Vin Group, Gordon Ramsay’s restaurant, and now The Vineyard at Stockcross. I joined The Vineyard at Stockcross as Head Sommelier in 2010 and won the title of UK Sommelier of the Year 2011 in June, which was such a great achievement for me.

When did you realise you had an interest in wine and wanted to become a sommelier?

When I turned 16, I decided I wanted to work in a restaurant and was lucky enough to work with the owners of Moulin des 4 Saisons in La Fleche, Loire Valley, France, who were extremely passionate about wine. I learned so much from them as well as from two of my uncles, one a winemaker and the other a restaurateur.

What brought you to England?

I really wanted to learn English and at the same time learn about wine from all over the world and the Hotel Du Vin group, then co-owned by Gerard Basset MS, MW (World Best Sommelier in 2010) seemed like a great place to learn about both!

You then moved to work in Gordon Ramsay’s restaurant, how was that?

Working for Gordon Ramsay’s restaurant has been one of my career highlights. From a very young age I dreamt of working in one of the best 3 star Michelin restaurants in the world. During my time there I was working for one of the best sommeliers in the country and able to taste some of the finest and most expensive wines in the world. It was such a great experience, which not only helped me to improve my wine skills and techniques, but also taught me how to read customers and select the right wine for each guest.

What was so appealing about The Vineyard at Stockcross?

2009 was a very big year for me. I won the UK Young Sommelier title in April, and then I finished in third place in the UK Sommelier of the Year competition in May. Later on that Year I won the International Young Sommelier final and achieved the Master Sommelier level in November 2009. My goal was then to win the UK Sommelier of the Year competition, and I felt I had to be back in a gastronomic restaurant to gain the most all round experience and knowledge. I choose The Vineyard at Stockcross over some of the best UK restaurants because of its wine cellar and future projects. For me, it was very important to choose the right place. Working for people who own a vineyard and having the opportunity to build up a wine list to the best levels possible was a challenge which excited me and influenced my decision to join The Vineyard at Stockcross team.

Can you give us an insight into being a Head Sommelier?

My main responsibility is to ensure that any guests who come to The Vineyard at Stockcross, get the best levels of wine service and leave with great memories and stories to share with friends. The wine list is a big part of my job, having around 3000 different wines produces a lot of work! The wine list at The Vineyard at Stockcross is certainly impressive in terms of the number and range of wines, but I want to move it to the next level in order to make it become one of the finest wine list in the world!

Can you tell us about some of most impressive wine producing countries you’ve visited?

I’ve travelled to many countries throughout my career, tasting lots of wine and deepening my wine knowledge and understanding of wine techniques. I’m always very well looked after on all wine trips, but I would say that Italy impressed me the most in terms of quality, diversity and culture.

Which country do you hope to visit next?

South Africa is next on the list for 2012. Ten years ago, wine producing in South Africa didn’t compare to wine produced in other new world countries. South African wine has improved considerably in the last few years with areas such as Swartland producing wines of exceptional quality. Attend our wine schools in September and find out more about South African wine.