THE PORTRAIT of

Shady Nozarian

Shady Nozarian's career path did not originally destine her for sommelier work. After three years of communication studies, she worked weekends in a restaurant to fund her education. It was there that she immediately discovered a world that captivated her. She then chose to pursue a career in hospitality, gaining diverse experience, from bars to gourmet restaurants, including event planning and receptions.

Driven by a growing curiosity for wine, she took advantage of the lockdown period to train remotely in sommelier skills. This step confirmed her desire to move into this demanding profession, where technical skill is combined with a sense of sharing. After several years of experience in front-of-house roles, she joined Drouant two years ago as a sommelier. A meeting with Guillaume Sicsic opened the doors of the establishment to her and allowed her to take a new step in her career. Today, she holds the position of Assistant Head Sommelier.

Her role is both operational and strategic. Present in the dining room with guests, she also participates in all aspects of cellar management: ordering, inventory, wine list updates, and daily organization. This dual dimension, encompassing both front-of-house and back-office duties, allows her to grasp all facets of the profession.

What motivates her daily is, above all, the richness of Drouant's cellar and the diversity of its wine list. Working in an iconic establishment, steeped in history, is a true source of motivation for her. She particularly enjoys interacting with curious guests, always eager to discover new appellations, new estates, or unexpected pairings. It is this synergy between wine, place, and people that gives her profession its full meaning.

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