Food Wine Sleep

Sydney Duckett is an expert in wine assessment and wine service, with almost 20 years experience in the restaurant industry as a Sommelier and trainer.

“Wine is my passion and the source of many memorable moments in my adult life.”

Born in regional New Zealand, Sydney’s career in wine began with a move to Auckland in 1994. Sydney worked in some of Auckland’s leading restaurants and quickly moved up the ranks to become responsible for wine procurement and guest relations. In 1998 Sydney was contracted to the burgeoning wine region of Martinborough for a two year stint managing a boutique hotel with a magnificent wine cellar.

The new millennia presented new opportunities in wine, so in 2001 Sydney immigrated to Melbourne, Australia to advance his wine knowledge. As a full time Sommelier the wine training and nurturing of staff quickly became a focus.

“For me it is about aroma awareness and discovery in the glass. The thrill that I get when one of my students recognises a wine characteristic and the spark of appreciation takes hold ... you just can’t buy that!”

In 2003 Sydney embarked on a self-funded wine discovery trip to France where he met with twenty two prominent winemakers in Burgundy, the Rhone Valley and Champagne.

Sydney has also visited the majority of the wine regions of Australasia to gain valuable insight into the intricacies of regional wine character.

“When you are standing amongst the vines listening to the winemaker explain his or her approach, with a couple of precious berries in your hand, it all makes sense.”

Since 2006, Sydney has resided in Sydney and worked as a Sommelier with some of the best restaurateurs in Australia. Sydney believes that everyone has a palate that is capable of assessing wine, it is just a matter of providing the skills to unlock that ability.

Sydney has been involved in training since 1996. In addition to his wine industry experience, Sydney holds a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, the nationally recognised training qualification, a Certificate in Designing and Delivering Training Courses, and an RSA Certificate.

Sydney is as passionate with tutoring his students as he is with understanding his wines.

This is an exciting and unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of wine appreciation.