Cateys 2024: Wine and Spirit Ambassador Award: Isa Bal, Trivet

Isa Bal, this year’s winner of the Wine and Spirit Ambassador Award, received glowing praise from industry colleagues for his strong track record in mentoring the next generation of sommeliers.

 

Bal began his career in hospitality more than 20 years ago as a commis sommelier at the Vineyard at Stockcross near Newbury, where he won Best Sommelier of Europe in 2008. A year later, he received his Master Sommelier certification. From there, he continued to build his profile as head sommelier of the Fat Duck Group, where he was based for more than 12 years. Bal then partnered with Fat Duck alumnus Jonny Lake to open their first restaurant, Trivet in London’s Bermondsey, in 2019. It won its first Michelin star in 2022, followed by a second star earlier this year.

 

The former recipient of the Michelin Guide’s Best Sommelier Award oversees the curation of more than 450 wines at Trivet. Over the years, he has been particularly keen to champion underrepresented wine regions, such as Greece, Turkey, Armenia and Georgia, through creative initiatives such as the Trivet Tasting Club, which is open to anyone with an interest in wine. Under the programme, Bal has guided guests through masterclasses such as tasting 19 different types of Cabernet Franc or 20 different Chardonnays ranging from £20 to £500. 

 

As well as elevating the guest experience from a wine perspective, he devotes much of his time to support those who are completing sommelier qualifications. He is always available to give advice and offer tastings to candidates who are looking to expand their knowledge ahead of industry competitions.  Bal is also a judge at the International Wine & Spirit Competition, which has supported the global wine and spirits community since 1969, and was recently named chair of the Sommelier Wine Awards competition. 

 

He has been hailed by peers as a true and longstanding advocate for wine, who has consistently shown a willingness to share his expertise and experience with up-and-coming talent. 

 

What the judges said

 

“Isa’s long track record within the industry speaks for itself. He is an amazing professional who freely gives his time to train others and takes part in judging on top of running a very successful restaurant. He is a worthy winner. It was amazing to see so many worthy applicants, all great professionals. It was a close call and there is no doubt some names will be back on the list.” Nina Basset

 

“Isa has proved to be a great mentor, giving time to others and always happy to help and support the younger generation of wine professionals. Not to mention his own amazing career and achievements.” Romain Bourger

 

“Isa has shown a great commitment throughout a very long, illustrious career. His expertise, knowledge and wisdom is freely shared with younger generations, who he continues to mentor, support and inspire.” Xavier Rousset

 

The shortlist

 

Vincenzo Arnese Raffles London at the OWO

 

Isa Bal Trivet

 

Brian Julyan Court of Master Sommeliers

 

Matteo Montone Maison Estelle, Estelle Manor, Gleneagles and Gleneagles Townhouse

 

Seamus Sharkey JKS Restaurants

 

The judges

 

Craig Bancroft Northcote

 

Nina Basset The Gerard Basset Foundation

 

Romain Bourger The Vineyard

 

Xavier Rousset Blandford Comptoir