Julia Scavo DipWSET

Romanian born, I had passed and obtained a science and bilingual English baccalaureate, before coming to France for University studies in 2002. After my degree and educational masters (CAPES) in Mathematics, I got found of gastronomy, wine and sommelier art.

I was soon seduced by the field and keen on getting further knowledge, I went back to school to entitle my experience. After a Sensory Analysis course at the Wine University in Suze-la-Rousse, I also got my Sommelier diploma in Lyon, at François Rabelais Hospitality School. Then came a Higher National Diploma in Wine, spirits and beverages’ Trade and Marketing, which I passed after 2 years’ studies at ICOP Aubagne while working as junior sales assistant in Château de Rouët, or as sommelier in Nice for Chef Keisuke Matsushima and wine bar “La Cave de l’Origine”. Other experiences followed soon, including the honor of working for Monsieur Alain Ducasse at the Trattoria Monaco and seasonal working at the Monte-Carlo Sporting. I also took up the WSET path, and after my Level 3 in Wines came the DipWSET Level 4 in Wines with “Distinction”. I have also been awarded the “Gérard Basset Memorial Prize” for a top score student with sommelier background in the Unit 3 examination. My performance has recently been awarded in 2022 with the IWSC Trophy for the best overall score in Europe, Africa and Middle East.

Among the most recent certifications I would name my title of WSET Nominated Educator for Level 1&2, but also the Sake Sommelier Certificate recognized by the Saké Sommelier association. Regarding sake, I also hold a WSET level 1 in this field and I have been a judge for the Kura master competition since its beginnings in 2017. I am also a Certified Port Educator of the IVDP (The Institute of Wien of Douro and Port).

What I like most is sharing experience and knowledge, hence I have come back to teaching since 2013: professional trainings, conferences, masterclasses, consulting for many establishments. In my country of origin which is Romania, I am the Development manager for education and youth in the board of the Romanian Sommelier Association, while in France I am member of the ASNCAP board ( Nice, French Riviera and Provence Sommelier Association), in charge of the competitions.

I also like defeating the limits and always being up to date by the means of the sommelier competitions. Here are some of my latest results: Winner of the Central European Championship 2012, 3rd Best Sommelier of Europe, ranking 5th in the Best Sommelier of the World 2013, 3rd Best Sommelier of Europe and Africa 2017, ASI Diploma 2017 with Gold Distinction, Winner of the Master of Port 2017, Best Sommelier of Romania 2018, First runner-up of the Balkan Sommelier Challenge 2018, Winner of the Ruinart Sommelier Challenge France 2018, 7th Best Sommelier in the World 2019. In 2020 I was the absolute winner of the Web Wine Writing completion of Hungarian Wine and also the winner of the “Cabernet Franc” Category in English.