A Spotlight on Our Teachers: Ian Trinkle
If you live in Brisbane, visited Wineism or taken a WSET course, you may have met Ian Trinkle — head sommelier at Aria Brisbane, group sommelier for Howard Smith Wharves, and a seasoned educator with a true passion for good food, fine wine, and unforgettable pairings.
In this Q&A, Ian reflects on his journey from a childhood spent with his restaurateur grandfather to earning top sommelier awards in Australia — and shares what he loves most about teaching, tasting, and talking wine.
How did you first get into wine? Was there a specific moment that sparked your passion?
I lived with my grandfather in my early years. He was a retired restaurant owner and had a modest collection and even a small little wine cellar — not quite the norm in the late 1980s. I was quite young when I lived with him, but something about cooking, dining, and the sophistication of it all really resonated. When studying at university in Philadelphia, I had a job in a pretty fancy restaurant. While just a busboy/food runner, I loved the energy. I worked with a sommelier and was hooked — I knew I wanted to be a part of this. Eventually, the somms either took pity or succumbed to my constant hassling and took me as a guest to their wine club. I had to bring a wine and managed to buy a 1993 Ridge Monte Bello, but it was at this tasting that I tried a 1996 Soldera Brunello di Montalcino. That, for me, was my penny-drop moment.
What do you love most about wine?
Tough question. The most honest answer — apologies for sounding cheesy — is a shared appreciation. Finding that wine to share with the right person, and it just resonates… basically, shared moments.
Do you have a favourite wine style or region? Why?
As I tell my class, I am getting less and less adventurous as time goes by. I drink mostly Chardonnay — mostly on the less opulent side, but certainly not afraid of a bit of oak. For reds, I drink lighter reds: Burgundy, Pinot, etc. I have always loved Nebbiolo and the other top wines of Italy. The new wave of Spanish producers has been a favourite of mine recently as well.
What’s one of the most memorable wine experiences you’ve ever had?
The most memorable wine experience I’ve had was visiting Foradori in Alto Adige. I love the wines, but the experience as a whole — driving there from Verona… I was with a close friend and mentor. We didn’t have an appointment and the expectation was low, but the experience was life-changing.
What do you enjoy most about teaching WSET?
The best thing for me is connecting — as in, simplifying it for everyone. Usually, this happens when introducing the SAT.
What is your favourite moment in the classroom when teaching?
For me, it usually happens on the second day, when the SAT starts clicking and the students just start nailing the tastings. I always enjoy when they start getting a bit ‘snobby’ in their final assessment.
What’s a common wine myth that you love debunking?
Not sure it’s a wine myth, but when we really start to drill down into food and wine pairings, I feel sometimes they can be more confused than when we started — but the ambiguity of it is always fascinating.
What’s one piece of advice that you’d give to someone starting their wine journey?
Drink well… don’t ignore the classics.
If you could share a glass of wine with anyone (living or historical), who would it be and why?
Probably my grandfather. He was very cool and sophisticated in the best ways. He died when I was 12, but I would love to chat to him as an adult — a great meal and a great bottle, and hit all the relevant topics: life, politics, sport.
Want to learn from one of Brisbane’s top wine professionals?
If you’re in Brisbane, be sure to visit Wineism — Ian’s curated wine space where good food and great bottles come together. And if you’re ready to take your wine knowledge to the next level, explore the WSET courses Ian teaches right here in Brisbane with Bacchus Academy.
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