Danijela Tesic, a Serbian sommelier who moved to Dubai, has crowned her passion for wine with numerous accolades. In 2022, she obtained the title of "MICHELIN Star Sommelier" and the "Gault&Millau Best Sommelier" award. As the Head Sommelier at Yannick Alleno's "Stay," Danijela shares emotions and memories through wine.
Danijela Tesic was born in Serbia and raised in Belgrade, where she studied at the Aviation Academy. She later developed a passion for the world of wine and made oenology her career, which is now adorned with numerous accolades.
As a career-oriented mother, Danijela entered the industry as a sommelier from 2017 to 2021 at "Pampour Bar" in Belgrade, where her wine knowledge and skills earned her high praise from customers.
She then assumed the role of a sommelier at the "Atlantis Resort" in Dubai, specifically at the MICHELIN-Starred restaurant "Ossiano" led by Chef Grégoire Berger. Here, Danijela expanded the restaurant's wine list, bringing the total number of bottles to an impressive 1,600 from 600 different wineries.
Her efforts and passion did not go unnoticed, and in 2022, Danijela received significant recognition for her work. She was bestowed with the title of "MICHELIN Star Sommelier 2022" in the first edition in the United Arab Emirates, and she also reached the finals of the "Gault&Millau Best Sommelier 2022" award. Additionally, her exceptional wine selection was appreciated by the "Corriere della Sera Wine List," placing her among the finalists in 2022.
In 2023, new opportunities arose for Danijela. Once again, she was selected as a candidate for the "Gault&Millau Best Sommelier" award. Then, in June, she became the Head Sommelier at the prestigious Two-MICHELIN-Starred restaurant "Stay" by Yannick Alleno, where Danijela has the opportunity to fully express her passion for unique wines.
For Danijela Tesic, wine is a topic of discussion, a story to be told. She doesn't merely describe wine through its sensory characteristics but aims to convey the emotions and memories wine can evoke. With great enthusiasm, she is always ready to suggest new and exciting pairings to her customers, effectively complementing their food choices and creating a connection with their memories and emotions.
