VIDEO INTERVIEW: Discovering Hospitality Talk with Champion Sommelier Ian Santos

For Ian Santos, wine is more than a beverage—it is a world of flavors, history, culture, craftsmanship, and endless discovery. His passion for understanding the many stories behind every bottle led him to pursue a career in wine and ultimately earn the title of 2019 Philippine Sommelier Champion.

Ian’s journey as a sommelier began with years of studying wine and imagining the vineyards and wine regions he hoped to one day experience firsthand. In 2013, he moved to the United States to turn that ambition into reality, earning his wine certification at Napa Valley Wine Academy and pursuing certification through the Court of Master Sommeliers.

When Ian returned to the Philippines four years later, his international wine education opened doors to a diverse career in the hospitality and wine industry. He worked with a wine distributor, became a food and wine expert in a hotel, consulted for restaurants, and eventually transitioned into freelance work, conducting wine training and seminars while helping restaurants, hotels, and wine bars develop and elevate their wine programs.

As a champion sommelier and wine professional, Ian brings together knowledge, experience, curiosity, and a deep appreciation for the world of wine. In this interview, he shares his journey, the experiences that shaped his career, and what inspired him to take the leap into freelancing.

What was going through Ian Santos’ mind when he decided to go freelance? Discover his story, insights, and perspective on building a career in the wine industry.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=LVDWPH4O9qw&si=zsSI0bqUv_Ouf5KE

Philippine Best Champion Sommelier and Certified Sommelier Ian Santos shares his knowledge and insights about wine and about being a sommelier on this episode of Discovering Hospitality Talk.

Read the full transcript of this interview here