Interview with Sommelier Zoltan Szabo
Zoltan Szabo
It was only a decade ago when Zoltan Szabo took his first job as a dishwasher at a local restaurant in Toronto. Having worked his way up through the restaurant and wine industry, he is now regarded as one of Canada’s top Sommelier’s with international experience.
Zoltan has created and overseen many award winning wine programs for some of the finest restaurants in Toronto and abroad. He is a contributing editor for CityBites Magazine, Drinks editor of Asian Gourmet, and contributes tasting notes to a variety of prominent publications and organizations, such as winerytohome.com, Vines Magazine and the Ontario Restaurant News.
He has also appeared in numerous publications and interviews including CBC’s highly successful documentary, “Wine Confidential” along with wine personality Robert M. Parker Jr., actor – winery proprietor Dan Aykroyd and others of same stature.
In 2008, Wine Business International Magazine has made a reference about Zoltan Szabo as being one of the most influential Sommelier and wine professional in Canada in “Who’s who in Canada” article.
1) First, tell me a bit about your background. I understand that you grew up in Transylvania. Did your interest in wine begin from there?
Yes, my parents were amateur winemakers; watching them make wine triggered my interest in it…
2) You’re recognized as one of Canada’s leading Sommeliers. What do you attribute your success to?
I guess having the right attitude and being passionate are equally crucial. I worked my way up, from dishwasher and busboy, to waiter and maitre d’, to Sommelier and resto general manager…I am certified Sommelier by the International Sommelier Guild since 2000 and I will eventually continue my studies throughout the Court of Master Sommeliers and Wine and Spirits Education Trust. Wine is a never – ending learning story and I will be a life – long student.
3) Can you describe what a typical day is like for you?
Some tastings start early morning hours, ya know…(-: the human olfactive sensors are most sensitive after we wake up…I do “office work” (which I hate!), head out for meetings, events, business luncheons, do some more work in the afternoon, and attend / host evening functions…if I am in town that is…I travel extensively, I am a wine judge and get to part – take in many wine competitions all across the world…
4) Do you have a favourite varietal?
Not one, many…! Riesling, Furmint, Gruner Veltliner, Assyrtico (from Santorini especially) Pinot Noir, Nebbiolo, Sangiovese, Agiorgitiko, Touriga Nacional, Baga, Kekrankos…just to name a few…
5) What are some of the best experiences you’ve had with wine?
Meeting the most fascinating people, winemakers, diners, journalists and everyone in between…those are the best moments of being in the wine trade…
6) Have you ever thought of growing wine yourself?
Yes…(-: and you will hear about it for sure…!
7) What are some of your greatest lessons?
Be humble! Be cool! Wine is a fact of life and not rocket science! Eat and drink well and in moderation and you’ll live a long life! Amen! Pax vobiscum!
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Category: Wine
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