Alex

Sommelier

Hometown – Mt Eden, Auckland

Go to karaoke song– Purple Rain, Prince

How do you like your coffee -  Black

Favourite ice cream flavour– Goody Gumdrops

What is your favourite wine pairing at Onslow?

Cambridge Duck Breast paired with Te Muna Valley’s ‘James’ Pinot Noir from Martinborough

Most memorable wine experience

About 8 years ago I tasted a 1933 Eiswein from a German winery that no longer exists, an incomparable flavour that I can still picture to this day.

Who has influenced your wine career the most

Probably Jancis Robinson, watching tapes of her 1995 BBC series ‘Jancis Robinson’s Wine Course’ and reading the World Atlas of Wine, co-authored by Hugh Johnson, inspired me to pursue further wine education.

Where would you fly to if money was no object to have a wine experience

Alsace, the home of the true Gourmands.

What do you love about the hospitality industry

It’s dynamic nature and being surrounded by good food and wine. The biggest reward is seeing how happy it can make our guests.