A Taste for Freshness: Early Life and Background In his early years in Turkey, Bal’s interaction with wine was limited. Although wild grape varieties were present in his homeland, his appreciation for the complexity and flavor of wine didn’t emerge until much later. However, summers spent at his grandfather’s house, surrounded by fresh produce, nurtured a taste for quality ingredients in Bal. These early experiences were instrumental in setting the stage for his future career, despite not having a direct impact on his interest in wine.

Academic Pursuits and the Path to Wine Mastery Isa Bal earned his Master Sommelier Diploma from the Court of Master Sommeliers, while also undertaking a large portion of the diploma qualification from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET). He made the decision to leave WSET before completion, focusing instead on the Master Sommelier Diploma.

Throughout his education, Bal benefited greatly from seasoned mentors like Edoardo Amadi and the late Gerard Basset. Their influence played a pivotal role in molding his journey and honing his skills as a sommelier.

The Making of a Wine Expert Aiming to keep abreast with the rapidly evolving world of wine, Bal dedicated himself to learning and exploration. He tasted various wines, conversed with industry insiders, and traversed the globe, gaining an in-depth understanding of diverse wine regions, styles, and grape varieties. His stint at establishments like the Vineyard at Stock Cross, Glomaggiore in Covent Garden, and the Fat Duck served to enrich his knowledge and experience.

Curating the Unique Wine Experience at Trivet At Trivet, Bal is responsible for assembling a unique wine list that introduces lesser-known varieties to a discerning audience, alongside familiar classics from across the globe. This novel approach has garnered Trivet acclaim for its top-tier wine program.

The wine list at Trivet explores regions like Armenia, Georgia, Turkey, and Greece, allowing patrons an opportunity to discover intriguing and novel wines. Bal’s vision for promoting these lesser-known regions and their indigenous grape varieties is critical in shaping the future of the wine industry while offering customers a unique experience.

Changing Tides: The London Wine Scene London’s wine culture has significantly transformed since Bal embarked on his career. The city has witnessed a shift in preference from Claret to Burgundy for red wines and a burgeoning interest in natural and low-intervention wines.

London, with its advanced distribution and storage system, is a significant global wine market player. If a wine is produced somewhere in the world, it’s highly likely to be found in this bustling hub.

Support for Emerging Wine Regions Bal recognizes the potential in emerging wine regions like Georgia, Armenia, and Turkey. Their unique grape varieties and wine-making techniques warrant recognition and appreciation. Bal, in his capacity as a celebrated sommelier, believes that lending support to these regions and introducing their wines to a wider audience is paramount.

The Wine Club and Shop at Trivet The Trivet Wine Club offers enthusiasts an opportunity to join a community of fellow wine lovers, partake in tastings, lunches, and dinners, and avail exclusive benefits. Meanwhile, the Trivet wine shop provides a handpicked selection of wines for customers to enjoy at home.

Isa Bal’s trajectory from modest beginnings in Turkey to his current position at Trivet is testament to his dedication, expertise, and passion for the wine industry. He continues to shape London’s wine culture, ensuring he remains abreast of new developments and embracing emerging wine regions.