Wine With Clementine

Another sommelier with opinions? That's wild!

Photo by Big Dodzy on Unsplash

Who is Clementine?

I’m a sommelier working and living in Melbourne. I’ve worked in the wine industry for just under 2 years but have made huge strides in that time, now working in the elevated dining scene and studying the WSET diploma.

I studied Literature, french, and philosophy at university (making me unbearable at dinner parties) and had a brief stint working as a magazine editor and contributor in the cultural commentary sphere.

Since dedicating myself to wine, I’ve observed a divide between wine professionals and laypeople. That’s where this substack comes in.

1. Why this, why now

The primary motivation for this substack was to document my WSET 4 studies to help other students going through this journey and provide insight into the rigorous training that many wine professionals have to go through. But over time, this has changed.

To put it simply, there’s a lot of nonsense in wine. A lot of beauty and richness, but a good serving of general wankery that only widens the gap between those in the know and the uninitiated. This substack aims to unite industry professionals with wine hobbyists and determine the tone for a new generation of wine professionals that remains dedicated to excellence without all the ego.

Photo by Klara Kulikova on Unsplash

2. What will I read about?

Wine is by nature variable, both materially (in the bottle) and mythologically (in the ideas we possess about wine). As these evolve, this substack will act as a platform where readers meaningfully engage with changes in the wine landscape.

I’ll be publishing articles here that demystify wine, unravel the wankery, and contextualise your favourite tipples. You’ll also get tips on my favourite Melbourne haunts, cultural commentary, tips for order wine at restaurants, and a peek behind the curtain of a sommelier’s life.

You can expect articles on issues like climate change, sulphites, wine business, producer interviews, cultural criticism, region overviews, wine history, tips for wine professionals, and the occasional confessional or amusing story.

3. So how will this work?

While I build this platform, subscription will be free. That’s right, you get to go deep inside my brain for only the cost of your precious time. As a reader, you can expect fortnightly articles, with higher frequency as readership demands. And if there’s anything you want to know more about, don’t be afraid to get in touch: after all, these articles are for you.

Photo by Stefan Vladimirov on Unsplash

4. Join the party!

This blog is for everyone who loves wine, whether you’re a heavy-hitting wine professional or occasions-only prosecco drinker. Everyone gets a seat at the table.

If this substack sounds like something you want to get behind, make sure to subscribe and share with your friends, your parents, and your colleagues. When there’s wine on the table, the more the merrier!

Ciao,

Clementine

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