Independent sommelier
Kirill Yurovskiy - Wine Sommelier in London
Welcome to the website of Kirill Yurovskiy, one of London’s premier wine sommeliers. I am passionate about wine and helping others discover the beauty and complexity of the world’s finest vintages.
I was born and raised in Moscow, Russia in a family that loved good food and wine. From an early age, I developed a fascination with the artistry and craftsmanship that goes into creating an exceptional bottle of wine. This childhood curiosity blossomed into a lifelong obsession and career.
After completing my formal sommelier training and education in Russia, I had the incredible opportunity to work at some of Moscow’s top restaurants and wine bars, continually expanding my knowledge and palate. However, I dreamed of taking my expertise to one of the great wine capitals of the world.
In 2015, I made the life-changing decision to move to London to pursue my passion at the highest level. London’s wine scene is vibrant and diverse, with an insatiable curiosity about both classic Old World wines and innovative New World vintages. Over the past 8 years, I have been privileged to work at some of London’s most acclaimed restaurants, including:
- Sketch (2 Michelin stars) in Mayfair
- Clove Club (1 Michelin star) in Shoreditch
- Lyle’s in Shoreditch
- Brat in Shoreditch
Along the way, I have had the honor of being awarded the Level 4 Diploma from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) and the Certified Sommelier credential from the Court of Master Sommeliers. I am one of only a handful of professionals in London to hold both of these prestigious certifications.
In 2022, I made the bold decision to strike out on my own as an independent sommelier consultant, wine educator, and event host. My goal is to share my passion and expertise directly with wine lovers and enthusiasts across London.
Seasoned collector
Wine Education & Tasting Events
One of my great joys is opening people’s senses to the nuances that make each wine unique and memorable. I offer a range of wine education experiences, including:
- Private Wine Tastings & Dinner Parties – I will come to your home or event venue and guide you and your guests through a customized tasting menu tailored to your preferences, budget, and occasion. These private tastings make wonderful corporate events, birthday celebrations, anniversary parties, and more.
- Public Wine Classes & Tastings – I frequently host public classes and tasting events at lovely London locations like wine bars, restaurants, and tasting rooms. These run the gamut from broad introductory sessions to deep dives into specific wine regions, grapes, vintages, or styles. You can find my upcoming public events listed on the Events page.
- Team Building & Corporate Wine Events – Having a strong team of people working towards shared goals is the key to any successful business. I offer fun and insightful wine tasting and blending experiences that bring people together through a shared passion for great wine. Companies across London have turned to me for delicious and inspiring team building events.
- Wine Bar & Restaurant Consulting – With over 15 years of experience working in restaurants and wine programs around the world, I offer comprehensive consulting services for wine bars, restaurants, hotels, and other hospitality businesses looking to create or elevate their wine offerings. From developing wine lists and pricing strategies to training staff and planning tasting events, I can provide expert guidance.
No matter if you are a complete newcomer to the world of wine or a seasoned collector, I would be delighted to be your guide on a journey of delectable discovery.
My approach
Expertise & Approach
Having trained in both the Old World wine capital of France and the modern New World wine regions, I have deep expertise in all of the world’s major wine styles, grapes, and regions. However, I am particularly passionate about:
- The Classic Wines of France – From the regal reds of Bordeaux and elegant Burgundies to the powerful Rhone blends and crisp, mineral-driven whites, France’s ancient wine regions never cease to captivate me with their unparalleled terroir and history. I love sharing the nuances that make each appellation so unique.
- The Innovative Winemakers of Italy & Spain – In my opinion, no other wine regions in the world are as dynamic and creatively inspired right now as Italy and Spain. Pioneering vintners are honoring ancient traditions while also charting daring new directions, crafting breathtakingly delicious and distinctive wines from delightfully obscure grapes like Frappato, Nerello Mascalese, Xarel-lo, and more.
- The Quality & Value of Portugal & Greece – While the classical wines of Portugal and Greece may sometimes fly under the radar, I believe many of their bottles deliver unmatched quality and character for the price. With their coastal climates, incredible biodiversity of indigenous grapes, and historic winemaking heritage, these sunny shores are producing some of the most distinctive and food-friendly wines in the Mediterranean.
- The Terroir-Driven Wines of Germany & Austria – Riesling may be the world’s most terroir-transparent grape, with each exceptional bottle delivering a breathtakingly pure expression of its unique origins. I relish the opportunity to explore the vast diversity of German and Austrian Rieslings as well as other gems like Gruner Veltliner and Blaufrankisch.
Of course, I also have a deep admiration and respect for the celebrated wines of California, Oregon, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, South America, and more. With an open mind and an eager palate, I am continually delighted to discover new wines and regions that expand my understanding of this ancient craft.
At the end of the day, my approach is to educate, enlighten, and empower rather than intimidate. My goal is to help you understand what you enjoy in a wine and why…and then to use that as a leaping off point for exploring new grapes, new regions, and new experiences. Wine is meant to be savored, shared, and celebrated. I will be your guide in unlocking its numerous pleasures.
Be Our Guest
Private Cellar & Wine Collecting Consultation
In addition to my event and education services, I also offer private cellar consultation and collection management services for wine collectors and enthusiasts. Few things give me more satisfaction than helping passionate wine lovers curate truly rewarding and world-class personal cellars.
My collector’s services include:
1973
Cellar Appraisals & Valuations
Whether you are seeking to insure your collection, divide it among heirs, or understand its market value, I can provide expert cellar appraisals and detailed valuation documentation.
1993
Auction Portfolio Review
Buying and selling at auction requires a deep knowledge of current market prices, critic scores, provenance, and trends. I can evaluate your buying strategies and target auction lots to help build a coveted cellar.
2007
Collection Planning
I will work closely with you to understand your personal taste preferences, budget, and goals for your collection. From this, I develop detailed collection plans and purchase recommendations aligned with your priorities.
1989
Acquisition Advice & Sourcing
Once we have defined the wines that fit your needs, I leverage my extensive global connections to source outstanding bottles from retailers, wineries, auction houses, and private collectors.
2000
Cellar Organization & Record Keeping
Properly cataloging, tracking, and rotating your collection is essential to protecting its quality and value over time. I can implement systems to monitor your cellar and plan for ideal drinking windows.
2020
Private Tasting Events
What better way to truly appreciate your outstanding collection than with guided tastings? I frequently host intimate, expertly-curated tastings and dinners to celebrate clients’ most cherished bottles.
There is no greater pleasure than assembling a collection that spans the regions, vintages, and varietals you most enjoy. I will work tirelessly to refine and build a cellar that delivers years of enjoyment, appreciation, and pride.
Many possibilities
Events & Tasting Menus
I look forward to creating truly unforgettable wine experiences tailored to your personal tastes and the occasion. Here are a few examples of the private tasting events and menus I can offer:
A Tour of France
A tasting journey through France’s most prestigious wine regions, exploring the unmatched terroir and winemaking heritage of appellations like Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, Rhone, and Loire. Potential wines could include:
- Krug Grand Cuvée Champagne
- Dauvissat Chablis Grand Cru
- Domaine Leflaive Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru
- Domaine Rousseau Chambertin Grand Cru
- Château Margaux Bordeaux Blend
- Chapoutier Hermitage Rouge
- Zind-Humbrecht Riesling
A Taste of the Italian Peninsula
Experience the breathtaking diversity of Italy’s revered wine culture, from the carved alpine valleys to the rugged Mediterranean isles. Featured wines could include:
- Bellavista Franciacorta Brut
- Jermann Vintage Tunina
- Gaia Ghemme Colline Novaresi
- Domaine A. & G. Negly Barolo
- Tascante Gheten Etna Rosso
- Benanti Pietra Marina Etna Bianco
- Feudo Montoni Vrucara Sicilia Nero d’Avola
New World Pioneers & Innovators
Taste how creative New World vintners are honoring tradition while also redefining the boundaries of winemaking. This tasting showcases icons alongside future cult classics:
- Soter Mineral Springs Brut Rosé
- Sandhi Chardonnay Santa Barbara
- Raen Royal St. Robert Pinot Noir
- Schrader Beckstoffer Las Piedras Cabernet
- The Prisoner Wine Co. Thorn Red Blend
- Torbreck RunRig Grenache-Shiraz-Mataro
- D’Arenberg The Dead Arm Shiraz
Of course, these are merely jumping off points for the many possibilities. Perhaps you have specific wine requests or a particular theme in mind? I would be delighted to collaborate with you on crafting the perfect customized wine experience.
Iconic winemakers
My Blog About Wine
In addition to my wine tasting events and educational services, I frequently share my latest wine insights, tasting notes, travel experiences and musings on my blog, Bottled Poetry. It’s a space for me to connect with fellow wine lovers and dig deeper into the topics and bottles that fascinate me most.
Some of my recent blog posts include:
- An Ode to Australian Grenache: Unsung Gems from Down Under
- Mastering Madeira: The World’s Most Underrated Fortified Wine
- Chateau Musar: The Compelling Wines Persevering in War-Torn Lebanon
- Wine & Dine: My Takeaways from the RAW Wine Fair in Montreal
In addition to articles, the blog features interviews with iconic winemakers, behind-the-scenes videos from my latest vineyards visits and event experiences, podcast-style audio tasting notes, and more. It’s a way for readers to join me on intimate journeys to the world’s most storied wineries, regions, and terroirs.
For wine enthusiasts who really want to go deep, I offer a Bottled Poetry membership that includes access to an archived library of premium blog content, virtual tasting clubs, live video events, special offers, and much more. Tap the button below to learn about membership benefits.
Highlights
Personal Wine Travels & Vineyards Visited
One of the great privileges of being a sommelier is the opportunity to travel the world and experience the stunning vineyards and wineries where magic happens in the bottle. With each trip, I gain priceless knowledge into the precise terroir, micro-climates, and craftsmanship that lend each region’s wines their unique personalities.
Here are just a few of the most memorable vineyards and wine destinations I’ve had the honor of visiting:
Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (Burgundy, France) – There is no more hallowed soil for Pinot Noir than the fabled Romanée-Conti vineyard. Walking these ancient vines transported me back centuries and drove home why these Grands Crus are so coveted.
Château Petrus (Pomerol, France) – Everything about this iconic Bordeaux estate exudes a rare kind of elegance and gravitas. From the graciously fading chateau to the surreal blue-pink hued clay soils, a tasting here is a genuine goosebump experience.
Antinori nel Chianti Classico (Tuscany, Italy) – As guests of the pioneering Antinori family, we toured their ingenious ancient cellars and tasted ultra-limited wines straight from the casks. This visit unlocked a new appreciation for the stewardship and craftsmanship that elevates wines to fine art.
Bodegas Vega Sicilia (Ribera del Duero, Spain) – The word that comes to mind upon approaching the “Pantheon” at Vega Sicilia is gravitas. You feel the winemaking history and importance surrounding this temple of Tempranillo.
Schloss Johannisberg (Rheingau, Germany) – Walking the precipitous Riesling vineyards clinging to the forested slopes around this 800-year-old estate felt like touring the land that time forgot. The gorgeous, mineral-etched wines tasted like liquid extensions of these ancient sites.
Klein Constantia Estate (Western Cape, South Africa) – Sipping the luscious Vin de Constance wines amid the historic Manor House’s preserved 17th century Dutch vines provided a transcendent immersion into South Africa’s rich wine heritage.
Explore the travel and vineyard photos sections to see more highlights and hear vintage stories from these unforgettable stops on my vinous voyage.
Personal collection
Wine Collecting Specialties & Cellar Highlights
In addition to my expertise in wine education and events, I am also an avid collector with a passion for curating world-class cellars for clients. My own personal wine collection focuses on several key areas of interest:
Spanish Vanguards & Treasure Wines
I have made it a priority to seek out and collect the most pioneering and sought-after wines from visionary producers across Spain. Highlights include:
- Legendary vintages of Vega Sicilia’s ‘Unico’ from great years like 1962, 1968, 1942
- Complete vertical collections from trailblazers like Pingus, Artadi, Alejandro Fernandez
- Rare treasures like 1925 Marques de Murrieta Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial
California’s Cult Cabernets
Some of the most exciting and coveted New World wines hail from California’s prestigious Cabernet houses. My collection contains impressive runs of:
- Harlan Estate back to the inaugural 1990 vintage
- Screaming Eagle spanning three decades from the 80s to today
- 100-point legends like 1997 Araujo Eisele Vineyard and 1994 Dominus
Natural Wine Pioneers
In addition to celebrated classics, I have made efforts to collect top producers at the forefront of the natural/low-intervention wine movement, including:
- Iconic grower Champagnes like Cedric Bouchard, Vouette et Sorbee, Vilmart
- The fabled “Denavologia” wines of Denny Downey’s Piedrasassi
- Sought-after Italian naturalists like Ferdinando Principiano and Piediluco
These are just a few of the areas where my passion has led me to hunt for capstones andvinous unicorns. In total, my personal collection spans over 5,000 bottles across multiple temperature-controlled cellars. Let me know if you’d like to arrange a private tasting to experience some of these rarities in person.
Vine society
Behind-the-Scenes & Membership Options
For true wine enthusiasts and collectors who want to join me for an immersive, behind-the-ropes experience, I offer a membership called The Vine Society. This exclusive club grants access to:
- Livestreamed Virtual Tastings and Perspectives Directly from Renowned Vineyards and Estates – From Bordeaux to Napa, you’ll have a virtual front-row seat and priceless face-time with iconic winemakers.
- The Vine Society Private Travel Journal & Event Calendar – Get insider access to my personal tasting notes, photos/videos, and upcoming event lineup before anyone else.
- Vine Society Signature Experiences – Including private cellar tours, extremely limited collector dinners, winemaker meet-and-greets, and other curated surprises.
- Priority Access and Preferred Pricing on Wines & Events – Never miss out on premium bottles or tasting bookings again. Members get first priority and insider pricing.
- Membership Tiers for Every Level of Passion – From the “Barrel Sample” intro level all the way up to the “Nectar of the Gods” cream-of-the-crop membership tier with unmatched access.
The Vine Society is for those who crave true insider immersion into the people, places and traditions behind the world’s most captivating wines. Membership includes my personal commitment to connecting you to “Magic in Every Bottle.”
To inquire about membership details and pricing, just fill out the form below or email me directly. I’ll be delighted to discuss bringing you into the inner circle of the Vine Society.
Contact Us
How To Start Your Tasting Journey
Whether you are an enthusiastic newcomer, a budding collector, or a die-hard oenophile, I welcome the opportunity to plan an extraordinary wine event or experience tailored just for you. Please feel free to reach out anytime for: Private Event & Tasting Quotes, Collector Services & Cellar Consultation, Public Event Inquiries & Registrations, General Wine Questions & Discussion
You can contact me directly at [email protected] or complete the inquiry form here.
I look forward to sharing my passion and life’s work with you. As the great Robert Louis Stevenson wrote:
“Wine is bottled poetry.”
Let me help you savor every verse.
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Kirill Yurovskiy © 2024