bio

Carlos Simoes Santos MS
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biography


Carlos imparts his wine knowledge with passion and erudition. His fascination and influence began with his family vineyard in Portugal, which developed into a life-long journey exploring the world of hospitality.

Upon completion of his studies, Carlos moved to London to work at the highly regarded 3 Michelin starred restaurant, Gordon Ramsay, which lead to a career defining opportunity opening Dinner by Heston Blumenthal with 2 stars on the same guide, and 5th by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants.  

While holidaying, he also worked at Sur Mesure in Paris, a restaurant with 2 stars as well as in other 3 Michelin starred restaurants, including the distinctive Celler de Can Rocca in Girona, which took number 1 two times  by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants and The Fat Duck in Bray.

​Carlos has immersed himself in the Old and New World of wine, and in 2019, received the highly regarded title of Master Sommelier. Currently, he is also enrolled in the Masters of Wine program. He brings to every table a wealth of knowledge, an unwavering eye for detail and an enviable palate.
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2016

Carlos achieved second place in the Young Sommeleirs Competition in Australia, judged by the Chaine des Rotisseurs. The Competiton offers young sommeleirs the opportunity to present their skills and 'savoir faire' under highly competitive, intense and gruelling testing conditions. ​

2017

Carlos won the award of Sommelier of the Year by Gault & Millau Australia. This was a reward for his passion and dedication to provide the best service of beverages at the highest standard in an ever evolving industry throughout the years. ​
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2018

Carlos passed his 'International ASI Sommelier Diploma' with Gold, a Certification only achieved by 45 people worldwide at the time of writing. The International Sommelier Association was created to help sommeliers reach new heights and better knowledge, everywhere in the world. ​

2019

Carlos went on to pass his 'Master Sommeleir Diploma' exam at the age of 31. An accomplished title held by only 262 people in the world at the end of the same year. The Master Sommelier Diploma is known to be one of the most difficult certifications to obtain in the world of wine with pass rates under seven per cent. In order to obtain this qualification, candidates must pass an almost impossible blind tasting, show deep understanding of regions in the world of wine and outstanding abilities in service of beverages and management. ​
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2020

Carlos was also awarded the Best Sommelier/Wine Director of the year 2019 by Revista de Vinhos Portugal. This publication has an existence of 28 years and has influential writers such as Jancis Robinson contributing monthly. ​
CARLOS SIMOES SANTOS MS  © 2020
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