In the world of wine, education is often the unseen thread that weaves a sommelier’s career together. For Léonard Lievin, that thread runs deep and wide, spanning continents, languages, and multiple certification bodies. From the vineyards of Alsace to the fine dining rooms of Montréal and London, Lievin’s journey is one marked not only by constant self-improvement but by a quietly relentless passion for the craft. Most recently, Léonard achieved ASI Diploma Gold status, recognizing him amongst a select group of sommeliers who have achieved this designation. In this episode of A Sommelier's Insight host Mark DeWolf asks Léonard about his educational and professional journey in the world of sommellerie.

At just 24, Ontario-based Cokie Ponikvar, a former floor sommelier at the Four Seasons in Toronto, is currently pursuing both the Master of Wine and Master Sommelier designation. Along the way she has built a vast global audience with Cokie’s World of Wine which has close to a half million followers, earned the IWSC Emerging Talent in Wine Communications award, and become a standard bearer for joyful, rigorous wine education. In this conversation, Cokie shares what drives her study habit, why excitement is not the enemy of professionalism, and how to make learning feel like discovery. When asked about the moment wine, sommellerie became a career aspiration she says, “I was super academic growing up,” she begins, laughing at the memory of a teenager who did extra reading for fun. “I did not think I would end up in hospitality. What drew me to wine was the academic side of it, and honestly that is still what keeps me engaged now.” Discover in this interview with ASI Magazine editor and A Sommelier's Insight podcast host Mark DeWolf what drives Cokie to constantly push herself to be better and achieve more in the field of wine and hospitality.

In this episode of A Sommelier’s Insight, we welcome Marc Pinto, one of Portugal’s most accomplished sommeliers, to share the story of his remarkable journey. After years of honing his craft across international stages, from Michelin-starred dining rooms to prestigious competitions, Marc has returned home to Portugal. His decision to come back is not just about geography—it’s about reconnecting with the country’s rich viticultural heritage, rediscovering the depth of its indigenous grapes, and contributing to the evolving identity of Portuguese wine on the global stage. Join us as Marc reflects on what he learned abroad, how those experiences shape his perspective today, and why Portugal remains not only a place of origin but also of innovation and inspiration.

A Taste of Place has long been at the heart of wine’s most compelling stories. In this issue of ASI Magazine we turn our attention to Portugal, a country whose rich mosaic of indigenous varietals and diverse terroirs continues to captivate sommeliers and wine lovers worldwide. From the granite soils of Vinho Verde to the sun-drenched plains of Alentejo and the windswept islands of the Azores and Madeira, Portugal’s vineyards are a living expression of history, climate, and culture.

We are honoured to share with your our interview between ASI Magazine editor Mark DeWolf and Frederico Falcão, President of the Board of ViniPortugal. In this insightful interview Falcão offers his thoughts on how the nation is embracing both tradition and innovation to showcase its unique wines on the global stage.

In Issue 19 of ASI Magazine, our feature Breaking the Barrier edition we explored the challenges and triumphs of sommeliers working to overcome gender inequality, race and other circumstances to find their voice on the global stage. Among those stories, one person stood out both her candour and her conviction: Catherine Fallis MS, the “Grape Goddess,” who shared her inspiring journey in Rising Above Circumstance. We are thrilled to share that conversation on A Sommelier’s Insight. Catherine is not only a Master Sommelier, but also a pioneer, author, educator, and advocate who has spent her career proving that excellence is born not from privilege, but from resilience and passion. Her story resonated deeply with our theme of breaking barriers, as she rose above challenging circumstances to carve a place at the highest levels of the wine world. In this episode, Catherine shares her perspective on the evolving role of the sommelier, the lessons she’s learned about perseverance, and why authenticity remains her guiding principle in wine and in life. Whether you know her as the “Grape Goddess” or as one of the profession’s most respected educators, Catherine brings warmth, wisdom, and a refreshing honesty to the conversation. Join us as we revisit and expand upon her article, exploring how her insights continue to inspire a new generation of sommeliers to rise above circumstance, and to find strength in both their struggles and their successes.

In this episode A Sommelier’s Insight, the official podcast of the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale, produced in collaboration with ASI Magazine, host Mark DeWolf is joined by Sören Polonius, a leader of sommelier training in his home country of Sweden and around the world. They  dive into an exciting evolution in the ASI Guidelines: the official inclusion of sake and beer. Traditionally centered around wine, the ASI Guidelines have served as a benchmark for excellence in beverage knowledge and service, but with the growing global relevance of sake and the renewed prestige of craft and traditional beers, the time has come to broaden the scope. Sören shares the motivation, philosophy, and practical considerations behind this expansion—what it means for sommeliers in training and for those already working in the field.

In this edition of A Sommelier's Insight, ASI Magazine Edit Mark DeWolf chats about what it takes to become a champion with Joris Garcia. Joris recently won the title of ASI Best Sommelier of the Americas 2025 at a contest in Sonoma, California. The contest was a spirited duel with Garcia, the reigning Best Sommelier of Canada, narrowly edging out his US competitor. Listen to this episode to learn more about Garica's path to success.

In thisue issue of ASI Magazine, titled Breaking the Barrier, we celebrate the remarkable contributions of women in the wine industry. This inspiring edition shines a spotlight on the stories of women sommeliers, winemakers, and winery owners who are reshaping the landscape of wine. Among the highlights is our interview with Dr. Laura Catena who has been a leading in the Argentinean wine industry for 30 years and has inspired women around the global to join the wine industry. 

A Sommelier's Insight brings you exclusive stories from the world of sommellerie. In this episode, host Mark DeWolf sits down with Mikk Parre, the newly crowned ASI Best Sommelier of Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Together, they explore Mikk's journey to the title, the challenges of competing at the highest level, and his unique approach to wine and service. Produced in collaboration with ASI Magazine, this episode offers a rare glimpse into the life of a champion sommelier and the dedication it takes to excel in this dynamic, ever-evolving profession. Tune in for inspiration and expert insights!

In this episode of A Sommelier's Insight, ASI Magazine Editor and podcast host Mark DeWolf welcomes Sarah Ahmed, also known as 'The Wine Detective', for a compelling discussion about the Vinhos Verdes Demarcated Region. Over the past two decades, Vinhos Verdes has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from a source of mostly inexpensive and forgettable wines to a region now highly respected for its innovative approach. This dedication to excellence highlights the uniqueness of its terroir, the individuality of its finest varietals, and its growing reputation as a destination for sommeliers and wine enthusiasts alike seeking authentic Portuguese flavours.

In this episode of A Sommelier's Insight host Mark DeWolf is joined by Raimonds Tomsons, ASI Best Sommelier of the World, and Jenny Hammer from GuildSomm. Raimonds and Jenny share their expertise on effective study techniques. Raimonds dives into his personal approach to exam preparation, and Jenny offers insider tips on how to maximise GuildSomm’s resources, from mastering wine theory to honing blind-tasting skills. Whether you're an aspiring sommelier or a seasoned professional, their insights into disciplined study and leveraging GuildSomm tools will guide your journey towards excellence. Tune in to uncover the secrets to sommelier success!

Irem Eren has a dizzying list of degrees and accreditations, including degrees in chemistry and international business and marketing, and is currently working towards her Master of wine. Irem now works as Business Development and Sales Director for EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa for BevZero, a world leader in the production of low and non-alcoholic beverages. In the ever-evolving landscape of the wine industry, the low and no movement is not just significant trend, it is making waves. It’s forming a powerful crest ready to crash into the wine category. The rise in demand for low and no-alcohol beverages is reshaping the market, pushing producers to innovate and improve the quality of these products. At the forefront of this movement is Irem Eren. In this episode of A Sommelier's Insight host Mark DeWolf chats with Irem about her personal journey, and discuss the science behind de-alcoholized wines, and how they can be made better.

In this edition of A Sommelier’s Insight produced for the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale in conjunction with ASI Magazine host Mark DeWolf interviews New York-based Yannick Benjamin. Benjamin is para-athlete competing in wheelchair marathons, a business owner, and the driving force behind Wine for Wheels an organization the brings awareness to the needs of disabled Americans, helping them become more mobile and freer. Mark spoke with Yannick recently about how he became a sommelier, the role of exercise in his life, and what he is doing as an advocate for people with disabilities.

Welcome to A Sommelier’s Insight, a podcast produced for the Association de la Sommellerie International, in conjunction with ASI Magazine. in the episode, host and ASI Magazine Editor Mark DeWolf speaks with Michelle Bouffard. Michelle is a Master of Wine Candidate, author of Quel Vin Pour Domain? (Which Wine for Tomorrow), a journalist, and the founder of Tasting Climate Change, an international conference that brings together world thought leaders to discuss best practices and future solutions to mitigate the wine industry’s impact on the climate. In this episode Mark and Michelle discuss amongst other topics how sommeliers can be active participants in the fight against climate change.

In this edition of A Sommelier's Insight, host Mark DeWolf, Editor of ASI Magazine, speaks with Master Sommelier Vince Morrow and Executive Director of the Court of Master Sommeliers, Julie Cohen Theobald, about the evolution of the sommelier profession. How is the profession evolving? Is it becoming more inclusive and diverse? How are sommeliers like Vince and institutions such as the Court of Master Sommeliers evolving their practices and programmes to keep up with an ever changing world of hospitality?

Welcome to the inaugural episode of "A Sommelier's Insight," where the world of service, wine, spirits, and other beverages is not just explored but deeply savored, one sip at a time. In this episode our host, Mark DeWolf, Editor of ASI Magazine, talks fine wine with 2019 ASI Best Sommelier of the World, Marc Almert. Marc's profound understanding of wine, combined with his unparalleled hospitality skills has set a new benchmark in the sommelier world. His insights are not just enlightening; they're transformative.In this episode, we delve into a question that has puzzled enthusiasts and experts alike: What is really fine wine? Can we define it? Is it the age-old traditions of winemaking, the rarity of the vintage, or the complexity of flavours that define it? Or perhaps, it's something more intangible, something that stirs within us an emotional resonance, a connection to a time, place, or memory.Marc Almert, with his characteristic eloquence and depth of knowledge, shares his perspective on this debate. It's a conversation that promises not only to enlighten but also to challenge our preconceptions about what makes a wine 'fine.' So, whether you're a seasoned sommelier, a wine enthusiast, or simply curious about the world of fine wines, this episode is for you. Join us as we uncork the essence of fine wine, guided by one of the most respected voices in the industry. It's an exploration of taste, tradition, and the art of wine appreciation—a journey you won't want to miss.