Tiếng ViệtIf you have faced repeated rejections and failures, do not lose heart, for Master Sommelier Evan Goldstein—an influential figure in the wine industry and the author of four wine books, as well as the president of two major organizations, Master the World and Full Circle Wine Solutions—has also experienced numerous rejections, just like you and me.
A Master Sommelier is widely regarded as the pinnacle of wine expertise, a title coveted by many in the industry throughout their lives. It’s the toughest examination globally, with only about 10% passing rate. Presently, just 273 individuals hold this prestigious title, despite the exam being conducted for over 55 years.
What impressed me most about Evan is his unwavering self-belief, even in the face of numerous rejections. When working in restaurants, his wine list proposals were repeatedly turned down. Eventually, he opened his own restaurant, ensuring no one could reject him again. He sees every challenge as a Rubik’s cube; if one side doesn’t work, he turns to another until it does.
“Being a Sommelier is a challenging and rare profession in Vietnam. Do you have any advice for young Vietnamese sommeliers?” I asked.
“Firstly, be confident. Don’t be shy. Don’t fear saying or doing something wrong. Making mistakes, and facing failures.
Secondly, stay curious. One of the issues people face today is the lack of curiosity. With everything available on phones, technology sometimes makes us lazy and less curious. People miss those ‘Aha’ moments because they passively consume information.”
“How can they be confident when they have nothing yet?” I inquired further.
“Think of children learning a language; they don’t know anything and always make mistakes. But they keep doing it. They’re the best language learners because they’re not afraid of being wrong. As we grow older, we fear others’ judgment. When we make mistakes, we think the world ends. Language is for communication. Wine is similar; don’t fear being wrong, just try and experience.
I believe that if you pursue your passion and listen to your heart, it’s better than any gifts.”
This is why Evan can speak five languages: English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian, and became a Master Sommelier at only 26, the youngest at that time to do so.
Recognized as one of the top 100 influencers in the wine industry by IntoWine.com, Evan’s excellence transcends beyond sommelier; he’s a genius in connecting people and local cultures. His gracious gesture of opening his Master Class with “Xin chào” and closing with “Cảm ơn” in Vietnamese, along with his genuine praise for the Vietnamese people, truly touched me.
His energy and motivational story resonated deeply with me, reminding me to always believe in myself and not to be discouraged by any rejections.
