In a captivating new episode of the “En toute intimité” podcast, CASINO 2000 welcomed Dominique Rizzi, a leading figure in Luxembourg’s gastronomy and sommelier scene. This inspiring conversation sees the President of the Luxembourg Sommeliers Association open up about her career, her vision of wine, the challenges faced by women in the profession, and the future of sommellerie.

A remarkable conversation at Les Roses gourmet restaurant

Recorded in the refined setting of Les Roses gourmet restaurant in Mondorf-les-Bains, this episode, hosted by Joffrey Martin, gives the floor to an exceptional woman.

Crowned Best Sommelier of Luxembourg in 1992, Dominique Rizzi made history that same year as the first and only woman among 25 candidates competing in the Sopexa World Competition in Paris.

Behind her discipline and expertise, Dominique Rizzi reveals a warm and generous personality, shaped from childhood by a love of flavours and traditional Italian family cooking.

A vision of wine guided by emotion and accessibility

Asked about her approach to wine and food pairing, Dominique Rizzi advocates an accessible, unpretentious approach to sommellerie, far removed from elitism:

“Wine is, above all, the language of the heart and of emotion. You have to learn to listen to your own feelings, express them in your own words, and not be afraid to walk through the door of a wine-tasting club or a fine-dining restaurant.”

For her, creating the perfect pairing combines science, sensory expertise and boldness, while always remaining attentive to each guest’s individual tastes.

Overcoming challenges and the evolving role of women in the profession

Looking back on the beginning of her career in what was then a predominantly male environment, Dominique Rizzi highlights the importance of mentorship — particularly the guidance she received early in her career from Fernand Clé at Restaurant Mathes in Ahn — and enthusiastically welcomes the positive shift in attitudes within the profession.

A profession built on high standards and discipline: Sommellerie requires an exceptional memory, constant training and self-control — qualities comparable to those demanded of a top-level athlete.

A growing female presence: Women are playing an increasingly prominent role and now have a strong presence in contemporary sommellerie.

Ambitious projects for the Luxembourg Sommeliers Association

Now President of the Luxembourg Sommeliers Association (ALS), alongside Vice-President Pascal Carré, Dominique Rizzi is placing knowledge-sharing and the promotion of Luxembourg’s Moselle wine region at the heart of her mandate.

Continuing education: Developing accessible training modules for restaurateurs and industry professionals in collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce and Horesca.

International profile: Supporting Luxembourg’s candidate at the World Sommelier Championship in Lisbon.

Flagship events: Organising the final of the Tasting Championship, in partnership with La Revue du Vin de France, on 11 December in Wormeldange.

Wine heritage: Contributing to the future Wine Museum in Ehnen, whose forthcoming opening and inauguration will showcase Luxembourg’s Moselle wine region.

© Laurie-Anne ALLARD

A tribute to Les Roses restaurant and the next generation

Throughout the interview, Dominique Rizzi was full of praise for the excellence of CASINO 2000’s Les Roses restaurant: a successful combination of cuisine recognised by Gault&Millau, an intimate and elegant atmosphere, and a carefully curated wine list offering outstanding value for money.

She also praised the work of the next generation, represented by young sommelier Guillaume Grabisch.

Before concluding on a more personal note and revealing her eclectic musical tastes — ranging from progressive rock to French chanson — she reiterates the principles that guide her: cultivating passion, humility and the pleasure of sharing.

© Laurie-Anne ALLARD

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If you would like to continue the experience, discover the other episodes of our “En Toute Intimité” podcast, where personalities and artists from Luxembourg share their journeys, perspectives and stories, on our YouTube channel.

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