Actually, this could be the shortest biography ever: 2015-2024 The Jane Antwerp**. But because the journey was quite atypical and I didn’t exactly grow up with wine, I’ll take you on my trip from washing glasses to serving them.

My sixteenth birthday, like for many others, marked the start of my career in the hospitality industry. To earn some extra money, I worked for a temp agency that provided staff for corporate events and parties. I quickly grew into the role: I took on more responsibilities, became increasingly comfortable with guests, and was even allowed to coach new students. It remained my regular activity for a few years, alongside football and my Marketing studies at Karel de Grote University College.

In 2015, that same temp agency needed someone to help out one of their good clients. When I arrived at the address provided, it turned out to be the two-star restaurant The Jane. As a student, I wasn’t particularly focused on gastronomy and fine dining. Every free moment was dedicated to my then-greatest passion: Royal Antwerp F.C. But when I entered the restaurant in my perfectly pressed uniform, that changed. I was overwhelmed and felt instantly at home. The feeling was mutual, as after a few services, I was offered a steady student job there. I weighed the pros and cons and ultimately decided to accept their offer. Game changer.

It didn’t take long before I was involved in most of the services. After a few years, I indicated that I was ready for some extra challenges, some extra ‘buzze’ as we liked to call it. This came from sommelier Gianluca Di Taranto. I was a complete rookie: wine is wine, right? Gianluca made it his mission to prove me wrong and gave me professional literature to take home: the beginning of my trip down the rabbit hole. The pieces of the puzzle began to fit together more each day, like a satisfying game of Tetris. I was always fascinated by history and geography in school—topics that also appeared in my wine readings, along with intriguing family traditions, chemistry, and economics. I was certainly captivated, but it wasn’t yet a passion. That changed with the uncorking of the bottle that definitively set my life’s direction: Montevertine’s Le Pergole Torte. Still one of the best and most beautiful wines I’ve ever had. Liquid poetry that turned curiosity into passion.

Slowly but surely, my social life had to make way for wine. You’d find me with my nose in the books, or sniffing a glass to broaden my knowledge. Still the case today, by the way—you never stop learning when it comes to wine

Eventually, I drew a line under my third year of Marketing studies. The lecture halls left me cold; what really warmed me was the cocoon I found myself in during a service at The Jane. The marketing books made way for a course at the prestigious Wine & Spirit Education Trust, with Gianluca and Nick (Bril) as my most loyal supporters.

With several years as a sommelier under my belt, I was offered the position of Head Sommelier in 2021 after Gianluca’s departure. It’s a role I’ve fulfilled with pleasure and pride for three and a half years. As the person responsible for all things liquid, I also developed a passion for crafting cocktails and refined non-alcoholic drinks. The process of balancing flavors, experimenting with combinations, and surprising guests with unique creations struck the same chord as my love for wine and has only broadened my horizons. During that same period, our team made its debut in the World’s 50 Best, landing in 23rd place—an unforgettable milestone. Personally, I became second runner-up in the ‘Best Sommelier of Belgium 2021’ competition and was named ‘Sommelier of the Year 2023 & 2024 of the Province of Antwerp.’ I was also included in the World’s Best Sommeliers’ Selection—an honor to shine among so many passionate colleagues who have made wine their life’s work.

I dedicated almost a decade of my life to The Jane—a place that served as a meeting point, a school of life, and, no matter how you look at it, a home. A decade where the guest experience was always at the heart of everything. A decade where I told the stories behind the bottles in a playful and engaging way. And that’s exactly what I want to continue doing, albeit in a different way. Throw all stereotypes about sommeliers and wine overboard—let’s create something unique together.

What’s next? Keep an eye on my agenda, services, or Instagram (and other social media channels) to stay up-to-date.