What Happened When I Didn’t Mention I Was a Sommelier
This past Memorial Day weekend, I found myself wandering the streets of Chelsea, NY warm weather, city energy, and just enough time to take it slow. While exploring, I stumbled across a small wine bar tucked into a quiet corner of the neighborhood.
There wasn’t a big wine list or flashy decor , just a cozy space, a chalkboard menu, and a bartender with an easy smile. I took a seat and said:
“I’d love to do a tasting. What would you recommend?”
No mention of what I do. No “I’m a sommelier.” Just a simple ask.
A Humble Tasting, A Valuable Reminder
He poured three wines:
A crisp, bubbly Cava
An unoaked French Chardonnay , light, clean, and vibrant
A smooth, classic Rioja with warm spice and a soft finish
He offered a few thoughts about each wine, brief, honest, a little unsure in parts. There were moments where I knew I could have added more. I could’ve explained the grape varieties, the aging process, the regional nuances… maybe even helped him with how to describe them more confidently.
But I didn’t.
Because sometimes, it’s not about jumping in to teach.
Sometimes it’s more meaningful to just listen, enjoy, and appreciate the effort someone is making to share something they love.
Wine Isn’t Always About the Details
As professionals, it’s easy to feel the urge to correct or guide. But wine, at its best, isn’t about having all the answers , it’s about connection. It’s about creating a moment, sharing a story, and discovering something new together.
That day, I wasn’t the sommelier. I was simply a guest enjoying the experience.
And that felt good.
Wine Tip of the Week: Try the Flight Without the Facts
Next time you visit a wine bar or tasting room:
Ask for a flight and see what they recommend
Try each wine without Googling it
Focus on what you taste, not what you’re supposed to taste
Let the person behind the bar guide you, they might surprise you
You don’t need perfect information to have a perfect moment.
Final Sip:
That quiet little tasting in Chelsea reminded me why I fell in love with wine in the first place — not for the credentials or the technical talk, but for the chance to connect with people, glass by glass.
Sure, I could have taught him a few things. But in that moment, just being present was more than enough.
¡Salud!
Angel Ramon Crespo
