🎧 What It Takes to Be the World’s Top Sommelier: Aldo Sohm, Wine Director of Le Bernardin
04/23/25 • 63 min
In this episode of Wine Centric, host Matthew Weiss sits down with Aldo Sohm, one of the world’s most celebrated sommeliers and the Wine Director at the iconic Le Bernardin in New York City. From cycling through vineyards to curating one of the most prestigious wine programs on the planet, Aldo shares what it takes to excel at the top of the hospitality world.
You’ll hear Aldo’s remarkable journey from Austria to NYC, his insights on wine pairing, hospitality culture, and how he balances discipline, health, and humility in an industry known for ego and excess. He also opens up about memorable moments—like serving critics under pressure—and why great wine service always starts with kindness.
Whether you're a sommelier, a wine enthusiast, or someone who loves behind-the-scenes stories of excellence, this conversation is packed with inspiration and real-world wisdom.
🔑 Topics Covered:
- Becoming a world-class sommelier
- The evolution of hospitality and ego in fine dining
- Wine pairing with music and mood
- Health, cycling, and sustainable routines
- Wine tasting as both art and science
- Mentorship, training, and performing at the highest level
đź“Ť Follow & Subscribe for more deep dives with top names in wine, hospitality, and culinary culture.
Aldo Sohm interview
Top sommeliers in the world
Le Bernardin Wine Director
Aldo Sohm wine bar
What does a sommelier do
Fine dining hospitality insights
Wine pairing techniques
Wine tasting like a pro
Sommelier career path
NYC wine scene
Austrian sommeliers in NYC
How to become a sommelier
Wine and music pairing
In this episode of Wine Centric, host Matthew Weiss sits down with Aldo Sohm, one of the world’s most celebrated sommeliers and the Wine Director at the iconic Le Bernardin in New York City. From cycling through vineyards to curating one of the most prestigious wine programs on the planet, Aldo shares what it takes to excel at the top of the hospitality world.
You’ll hear Aldo’s remarkable journey from Austria to NYC, his insights on wine pairing, hospitality culture, and how he balances discipline, health, and humility in an industry known for ego and excess. He also opens up about memorable moments—like serving critics under pressure—and why great wine service always starts with kindness.
Whether you're a sommelier, a wine enthusiast, or someone who loves behind-the-scenes stories of excellence, this conversation is packed with inspiration and real-world wisdom.
🔑 Topics Covered:
- Becoming a world-class sommelier
- The evolution of hospitality and ego in fine dining
- Wine pairing with music and mood
- Health, cycling, and sustainable routines
- Wine tasting as both art and science
- Mentorship, training, and performing at the highest level
đź“Ť Follow & Subscribe for more deep dives with top names in wine, hospitality, and culinary culture.
Aldo Sohm interview
Top sommeliers in the world
Le Bernardin Wine Director
Aldo Sohm wine bar
What does a sommelier do
Fine dining hospitality insights
Wine pairing techniques
Wine tasting like a pro
Sommelier career path
NYC wine scene
Austrian sommeliers in NYC
How to become a sommelier
Wine and music pairing
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