Bartolomeo Giannilivigni

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

ABOUT BARTOLOMEO GIANNILIVIGNI

I am a Sicilian sommelier from Palermo, shaped by tradition and guided by discipline.In 2025, I was named Best Sommelier of Sicily by the Associazione Italiana Sommelier after a competitive regional selection process that included blind tasting, technical examination, and service evaluation. This recognition qualified me for the national Best Sommelier of Italy competition.My professional formation began with AIS Palermo, where I graduated with the highest score in my class. I later earned first place in Southern Italy at the Premio Bonaventura Maschio as Emerging Sommelier and completed WSET Level 2 with Distinction.These achievements reflect years of structured study, competition, and steady refinement. For me, wine is not performance. It is preparation, analysis, and consistency Besides being able to convey to the final customer, with the right words, what lies behind this beautiful world!I work between Hotel Al Piolet in Cervinia and Villa Igiea, a Rocco Forte Hotel in Palermo, within hospitality environments that serve international guests with high expectations. My focus is precise cellar curation, careful producer selection, and creating wine experiences that are technically rigorous while remaining intuitive and balanced.Alongside my work in hospitality, I contribute to wine education through AIS masterclasses and instructional sessions, guiding aspiring sommeliers through tasting methodology, regional study, and pairing structure. Teaching strengthens my own discipline and deepens my respect for the craft.I believe a wine program should reflect identity and intention. It should honor heritage while remaining commercially aware and operationally structured.I am currently expanding my professional focus toward the United States luxury hospitality market, seeking opportunities where European competitive distinction and disciplined program development can contribute meaningfully to premier hotels and fine dining institutions.Excellence is not a moment. It is a method.