Ep. 2544 Crafting Michelin-Level Hospitality with Sommelier Marco Nardi | Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon

Welcome to episode 2544 of the Italian Wine Podcast and episode 220 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. Today, Marc speaks with Marco Nardi, sommelier at Caractère, the Michelin-starred London restaurant led by Chef Emily Roux. They discuss what it’s like to work in a Michelin-starred environment, how Caractère builds a uniquely personalized guest experience, and why its “wine list” is actually a storytelling book that diners love to explore. Marco also explains the four curated wine experiences he offers, and how his approach focuses on truly understanding what each guest wants. More about today’s guest: Marco Nardi is from the northern region of Lombardy. He started his journey in hospitality at catering college (Scuola Professionale Provinciale Alberghiera "C. Ritz"), in Merano while working in local restaurants during the weekend and school holidays. A certified AIS (Associazione Italiana Sommelier) sommelier, in 2014 he joined the sommelier team at Chewton Glen Hotel in Hampshire, where he was mentored by Francesco Gabriele. He subsequently worked as General Manager at the Michelin star restaurant l' Ortolan. He is currently Wine Buyer & Head Sommelier at Caractère, an independent fine dining restaurant situated in the heart of Notting Hill in London. Connect: Website: https://www.caractererestaurant.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marco-nardi-6a5a60108 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcobiowine/ More about the host: Marc Millon, a VIA Italian Wine Ambassador since 2021, is a celebrated expert in the world of wine, food, and travel, boasting nearly 40 years of experience. Born in Mexico to a diverse family—his mother hailing from Hawaii via Korea and his father, an anthropologist, from New York via Paris—Marc was introduced to a rich tapestry of flavors from an early age. Since 2021, he has been the engaging host of the “Wine, Food, and Travel with Marc Millon” series on the Italian Wine Podcast. Marc’s latest book is “Italy in a Wineglass – the taste of history” published by Hurst, London and Melville House, New York (this book won the Guild of Food Writers ‘Drinks Writer Award’ 2025 and the World Gourmand ‘Best Wine History Book in the World Award’ 2025.Together with his talented photographer wife, Kim, Marc has authored 14 other acclaimed books, including the groundbreaking illustrated series The Wine Roads of Europe, The Wine Roads of France, The Wine Roads of Italy (winner of the Premio Barbi Colombini), and The Wine Roads of Spain. His other notable works include The Wine and Food of Europe, The Food Lovers’ Companion Italy, The Food Lovers’ Companion France, and Wine: A Global History.In addition to his writing, Marc is a sought-after speaker and hosts gastronomic cultural tours to Italy in partnership with Martin Randall Travel, a leading specialist in cultural travel. When he's not exploring the culinary landscapes of the world, Marc resides along the scenic River Exe in Devon, England. Connect: Website: https://www.quaypress.uk https://www.marcmillon.co.uk https://www.vino.co.uk https://www.quaypress.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-millon-50868624/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/Marc_Millon _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin! Thanks for listening! This show is all about food and wine pairings, and traveling through Italy with Marc. Join him on this food, wine and cultural journey!