Jessica the Sommelier Love at First Sip

“Do you believe in love at first sip?  That’s all it took for her to get smitten …”

Graduated from Singapore Hotel and Tourism Education Centre (SHATEC), Jessica began her job as Tour Consultant but soon felt restless and found a job at Four Seasons Hotel serving as Captain before undertaking the role of Guest Relations Officer where her foundation in food and beverage operations was nurtured while her love affair with wine sparked off.

Jessica remembered vividly the first moment when a visiting guest offered her a glass of 1982 Chateau Margaux as she exclaimed, “How could something taste so heavenly?” Smitten, she embarked on her own quest to explore the heaven nectar.

At Crystal Wines and Grand Vin wine retailers in Singapore, including four years outpost assignment in China, she honed her skills in wine event organization, wine importing and retailing services, as well as customer interactions. She also walked through the grapevines in Spain and Australia to experience working wineries up close. While on assignment in the Middle East, she successfully obtained her Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) certification in Dubai.

In 2011, family considerations prompted her to return to Malaysia as she joined Hilton Hotel, Kuala Lumpur as Chief Sommelier and, later, Resident Sommelier at Renoma Café Gallery, a subsidiary of Bonia. In the same year, she was awarded the Court of Master Sommeliers (CMS) accreditation.

Since returning home to Johor Bahru, Jessica has been in partnership with Gastrolution (M) Sdn Bhd committing herself to wine education. Jessica joined JJ Suppliers Sdn Bhd as Training and Operations Manager in 2014 with roles in management, training and development. Just recently, JJ has recruited yet another Certified Sommelier to meet thriving demands as the company is expanding and she is motivating the team to become known as professional certified sommeliers.