Aris Sklavenitis on the New Generation and What Defines a Sommelier

When asked to describe the key qualities of a successful wine professional, his answer was immediate and clear:

“First of all, they must be humble.”

For him, humility is the foundation of growth. As he explains, in the world of wine it is easy to believe that you know everything, but the reality is quite the opposite. Wine is an endless field of knowledge that requires continuous learning.

Knowledge is the second essential quality. A sommelier must do more than simply recognize labels and grape varieties. They need to study, taste, and stay informed. Aris Sklavenitis points out that many young professionals often neglect study and meaningful tasting experience, which can become a major obstacle to their development.

The third characteristic is passion for the craft. According to him, a true wine professional does not work solely for financial gain. Curiosity, the desire to discover new things, and the joy of tasting are what drive continuous improvement.

The conversation also turned to younger generations of wine enthusiasts. Contrary to the belief that interest in wine is declining, Aris Sklavenitis remains highly optimistic. He believes that each new generation is more knowledgeable and more wine-aware than the one before.

As he notes, wine exhibitions, educational programs, seminars, and, of course, producers themselves have all played an important role in this progress. In recent years, Greek winemakers have consistently raised the quality and standards of Greek wine.

“Every year, we become more numerous and better informed,” he says.

This optimism may be the most important message of the interview. Greek wine is not evolving only through vineyards and wineries, but also through the people who study it, present it, and genuinely love it. And as Aris Sklavenitis reminds us, that journey always begins with humility.

Watch the Interview

Watch the interview excerpt with Aris Sklavenitis in the video below.