Vinobypaolo, Sydney (2026)

18/10/2026

Lisbon 2026 A journey of gratitude, humility and passion. 🍷🌍

As the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale 🌍 Best Sommelier of the World 2026 comes to an end, I leave Lisbon with a heart full of gratitude, wonderful memories and an even deeper love for this beautiful profession.

Although my journey in the competition did not take me where I wanted, sometimes opportunities come unexpectedly and with a short time for preparation but I leave with something equally meaningful, an incredible experience, valuable lessons and memories that will stay with me for a lifetime.

It has been a true honour and privilege to stand alongside some of the finest sommeliers in the world, people whose dedication, knowledge, humility and passion continue to inspire.

One of the most beautiful parts of this week was being reunited with old friends, sharing stories and laughter, and making new friendships with people from all corners of the world who share the same passion, These connections are what make our sommelier community so special.
All of this with my biggest fan my wife • K a l y o p i • ❤️ by my side.

A big congratulazioni 🍾 to Nikolai Haram Svorte of Norway, Association de la Sommellerie Internationale 🌍 Best Sommelier of the World 2026, and to the finalist Pascaline Lepeltier of France and Wataru IWATA of Japan.

My sincere thanks to Association de la Sommellerie Internationale 🌍 the organisers, the judges and Sommeliers | Escanções de Portugal the Portuguese Sommelier Association, all the sponsor and everyone who made this extraordinary experience possible.

There is always more to discover and more to give. And that is the beauty of this profession.

Obligado Lisbon and everyone that has share this journey 🥂

Sommeliers Australia

gratitude PassionForW**e NeverStopLearning

01/09/2026

I’m truly honoured and humbled to be named #1 in The Top 100 Sommeliers of Australia last week august 24th by Sommelier EDIT. Top 100 Sommeliers Australia 🇦🇺

I would also encourage all Australian sommeliers to put themselves forward and apply for this recognition.
It’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the talent, dedication and passion that exists within our sommelier community.

A sincere thank you to Sommelier Edit, all the judges Franck Moreau Cameron J Douglas Annette Lacey Amanda Yallop Robert .l.hey

Thanks to all the sponsors Wirra Wirra McLaren Vale RIEDEL The W**e Glass Company RIEDEL Australia & New Zealand Craggy Range W**ery Bryce Faiella Sabino Matera Coravin W**e Australia Kati Vainionpää Negociants Australia | Fine W**e Shippers Joval School of W**e red+white Mezzanine and everyone involved in making this recognition possible.

Thanks to my number 1 supporters over the years • K a l y o p i • Dante 🐾

It’s a privilege to be part of such an incredible community of sommeliers and w**e professionals across Australia. 🍷❤️

**e

17/01/2026

In Mid December I had the honour of serving as Head of Judge for the 5th competition of Best Sommelier of Italian W**e in China 🇮🇹 🇨🇳, witnessing an exceptionally high level of passion, knowledge, and professionalism.

The competition began with Quarter Final follow by 10 semi-finalists, from various regions of China, who faced demanding theory and practical exams, before moving into a live final on stage.

Under intense pressure, the 4 finalists were tested on w**e list correction, cocktail making, decanting, food & w**e matching and more.

The standard throughout the competition was outstanding, focused, precise, and deeply inspiring.
Congratulations to all candidates for their dedication, preparation and professionalism.

It was a true privilege to share the judging table alongside and Henri and all the other judges involved.

I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to and for his continued commitment to elevating Italian w**e in China & the all Sommelier Community.

A big thank you to the for the exceptional hospitality, to the entire jury, and to all suppliers and guests who attended and supported the competition, your contribution made this event truly special.

Proud to be part of moments like this. 🍷🙏

**e **e **ecompetition **einchina

29/11/2025

Today I walked through my front door with something I’ve dreamed about, fought for, sacrificed for, and dedicated years of my life, my Master Sommelier Diploma from the

This journey has been one of discipline, humility, resilience, and passion.
Countless hours of study, countless tastings, early mornings, late nights, and the constant pursuit of being just a little better every single day.

Holding this diploma reminds me that no dream is too big when you commit with your whole heart.
 I’m proud, humbled, and deeply grateful to my family , my mentors, my friends, and to everyone who believed in me even on the days I doubted myself.

Thank you 🙏🏼!

**e **elife

31/08/2025

After years of studies, sacrifices and tastings I’m beyond proud to have achieved this dream.
This journey has taken time, resilience, and unwavering dedication, but it has also given me friendships, lessons, and experiences that I will carry with me forever.

I want to extend my deepest gratitude to my biggest supporter my wife and my study buddy without them both I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Thank the Court of Master Sommeliers & for their guidance and for upholding the highest standards of our profession since 1969.

A heartfelt thank you to my mentors, colleagues, friends and family who supported me throughout this path you believed in me even when I doubted myself. For that I am endlessly grateful.

This is not the end of the journey but the beginning of a new chapter, to inspire, to teach, and to keep celebrating the love of w**e.

✨Honoured. Grateful. Humbled✨

**ejourney **e **elover #292

14/01/2025

✨ Let’s make 2025 a year to remember starting with the best of Etna!

We are thrilled to announce the arrival of award-winning w**es to Australia, straight from the iconic slopes of Mount Etna in Sicily.

🌋🍇 These volcanic gems have been personally selected by my self & and are exclusively imported by VBP Imports, bringing you this rare collection.

A Taste of Etna’s Soul 💥

Located in the stunning town of Castiglione di Sicilia, Tenuta Ferrata is a family-run w**ery established in the 1990s by the Virlinzi brothers.
Nestled among hazelnut, oak, and chestnut groves, the estate thrives in the heart of the UNESCO-protected Etna region.
Here, ancient w**emaking traditions meet volcanic soils, creating w**es that are a pure expression of Sicily’s beauty.

Just Landed – Meet the Collection 🇮🇹

🍋 2022 ‘Cèneris’ Etna Bianco DOC Grapes: 80% Carricante, 20% Catarratto (Good stock available!)

🍒 2021 ‘Punta Drago’ Etna Rosso DOC Grapes: 100% Nerello Mascalese (Good stock available!)

🌸 2022 ‘Cimè’ Etna Rosé DOC Grapes: Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio ( on request )

🧈2022 ‘Veni’ Etna Bianco DOC Grapes: 100% Carricante
From contrada of Moscamento & Fossa San Marco  (on request )

🍷 2020 ‘Frevi’ Riserva Etna Rosso DOC Grapes: 100% Nerello Mascalese
From contrada of Fossa San Marco  ( on request )

🎉 Also Back in Stock! 🎉
 ✨ Cadia Chardonnay  🍇 Cadia Dolcetto

📸 Swipe through to see the stunning volcanic vineyards of Tenuta Ferrata and these beautifully crafted w**es.

These w**es are extremely limited, so don’t wait to secure your allocation.
DM or email us [email protected] today to add these extraordinary bottles.

Salute! 🥂

**elover **e **es **e **e **ebusiness **e **e

10/06/2024

🍇✨ Exciting news for our Vino Lovers! ✨🍇

We are beyond thrilled to announce the arrival of **e from Piedmont to Australia! 🌏🍷exclusively imported by us.

Nestled in the picturesque hills of Verduno, Piedmont, Cadia W**es are born from centuries-old vineyards where tradition meets innovation. The w**emakers Bruno and his family, at Cadia have perfected their craft, using sustainable practices and hand-harvesting to ensure every grape is nurtured to perfection. 🍇🌿

What makes this boutique w**ery so special, each bottle of Cadia W**e tells a story – a story of passion, dedication, and the unique terroir of Piedmont. From the vibrant Arneis to the sophisticated Nebbiolo, these w**es capture the essence of their homeland. Close your eyes imagine sipping a glass of Barolo, rich and robust as you overlook the sun-drenched vineyards where it all began. 🇮🇹✨Salute!

Bringing Cadia W**es to Australia has been a labor of love. We have carefully selected only the finest w**es to share with you, ensuring they reflect the true spirit of Piedmont. Now, you can enjoy these exceptional w**es at some of the most prestigious dining establishments in Sydney where they perfectly complement gourmet dishes and elevate your culinary experience.

📸 Swipe right to follow our journey from vineyard to table and discover the magic of Cadia W**es.

👉 Available now at:
✨
✨
✨ .syd
✨

But hurry, these w**es are rare treasures and are available in limited quantities. Don’t miss your chance to experience the flavors and aromas that make Cadia W**es so special.🍷💎

DM for more info

**es **e **elovers **es **eimporter **econnoisseur **ejourney **ew**ew**e **ery

04/04/2024

Not a long ago I had the privilege to taste these rare bottles, it’s not a bracket that you see everyday.
These ch*****nes still incredibly youthful, grateful to have them tasted side by side.
My pick of the flight was the 2000 ‘P2’ impressive freshness still given the vintage and the 24 years of age had such a precise acidity driven by the lean and gentil minerality.
What a lovely notes of crusted bread, brioche and salty caramel, but still had fresh citrus & orchards fruits character .
I couldn’t believe how well this w**e age, the complexity and structure was still so balance, and it just kept going and going with an endless length.

The lineup was left to right
- 2013/2010/2004/2000/2009

Thank you for sharing 🙏🏼 and

**elovers *****ne **etasting

06/11/2023

What a memorable experience that was at the Master Exam, with these bunch of legends ! One ☝️ passed 2 more to go 💪🏻! Keep pushing ! Don’t give up!
Also what a pleasure to meet and thank you 🙏🏼

**e **etasting **estudies

13/11/2022

Last week I had the honour of representing Australia with Loic in the best sommelier of Asia and Oceania 2022 and compete against winners of their national competition.
What a journey it has been couldn’t be more proud to have gone to semifinals and placed on the top 8.
Massive congratulations to Mason who placed 1st, also to from New Zealand, placed 2nd and from Australia, placed 3rd.
Congratulations to all the sommeliers that participated.
The level of knowledge at these exams were at the highest that have ever been.
I can say without the support of **e and Max all this wouldn’t be possible.
Thank you for pushing me and helping me to achieve this and without you I certainly wouldn’t be where I am.
Most important thank you to and the judges, .tasaki.sentir and Japan sommelier association for organising this last minute in Japan 🙏🏼
I can’t express the felling of happiness and joy to have met so many
wonderful people, lifetime connections and new friendships along the way and this is definitely a win.
Bring on Paris 2023 🇦🇺🇫🇷

**elovers

Vinobypaolo

18/10/2026

01/09/2026

17/01/2026

29/11/2025

31/08/2025

14/01/2025

10/06/2024

04/04/2024

06/11/2023

13/11/2022

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