Valentina Bertini, a sommelier of exceptional talent, has created a distinctive professional path in the world of wine. Her journey, weaving through Umbria and Milan, exemplifies how passion and determination can turn a dream into reality.
Biography
Born in 1980 in Spello, Umbria, Valentina Bertini began her journey in the wine world almost by chance. Originally headed towards a legal career, her life took an unexpected turn when she started working in her mother's restaurant. There, a maître introduced her to the allure of wine, leading her to her first sommelier course.
Her career took off when she won a competition organized by the Italian Sommelier Association in 2005, followed by recognition as an Innovator in the profession the next year. Valentina's passion for wine grew alongside her experience, eventually leading her to become the head sommelier at Excelsior Gallia in Milan and later at Terrazza Gallia.
In 2019, Valentina Bertini was honored as "Sommelier of the Year" by the Espresso Guide to Italian Restaurants, becoming the first woman to receive this prestigious accolade. Her expertise and ability to pair refined and exclusive wines with the dishes of executive chefs Antonio and Vincenzo Lebano have allowed her to leave an indelible mark in the world of sommellerie.
Valentina is known for her aesthetic approach to wine service, viewing the opening of a bottle as an act of celebration. Her philosophy is based on understanding the personal tastes of her clients and selecting wines that best suit them, breaking common stereotypes about female tastes.
After a period as the head sommelier at Excelsior Gallia, she returned to Langosteria as a Wine Manager, where she is responsible for wine selection and menu composition. Her experience and innovative vision have contributed to the success of the Langosteria group, which has become a benchmark in the Italian gastronomic landscape.
Valentina, with her tenacity and talent, has become a role model for many women in the world of wine, demonstrating how passion and determination can lead to success in a field traditionally dominated by men.
