© All images are courtesy of Gabi Lucas.

Set sail on a journey through the world of fine wines with sommelier Gabi Lucas! In this exclusive interview, Gabi shares his expert insights on the latest wine trends for luxury yachts, from Provence rosés to Burgundy reds. Discover his tips for building the perfect onboard wine cellar, serving with sophistication, and impressing even the most discerning guests. Whether you’re a yachting enthusiast or simply love wine, this is your guide to elevating your onboard experience.

Gabi it’s great to be with you again. I’m thrilled to introduce you to the fascinating world of superyachts. Could you briefly introduce yourself and share how you started in the world of sommellerie?

I got into this world by chance (I was previously a flight attendant). A friend signed me up for a university course, and ever since I opened the first book, I haven’t stopped studying.

You’ve been advising various luxury venues for years. This summer was busy in terms of wines. What types or styles of wine have been trending in the luxury market?

Yes, it’s been an exciting year…

This year, Provence rosés have once again been a big hit. These pale, refreshing wines are perfect for seaside settings like beach clubs and yachts. Additionally, there has been a significant rise in the popularity of Burgundy wines, both whites and lighter reds. I’ve also noticed growing interest in Rhône reds for those who prefer a bit more body.

How do you think wine trends will evolve for the summer of 2025? Are there any emerging wines or regions we should keep on our radar?

I think the trend of pale rosés and Burgundy wines will continue for another year or two. For the future, regions like the Loire Valley, Beaujolais, and Northern Rhône seem to be the ones to watch.

Let’s not forget that Champagne was, is, and always will be in style.

On a luxury yacht, where space is limited, how can we create a small yet diverse wine cellar that caters to different tastes?

It’s important to remember that people are on holiday and want to enjoy themselves. I recommend focusing on lighter wines with good acidity and lower alcohol content to refresh guests during warm summer days. Champagne, fresh whites, rosés, and light reds should be the foundation of the cellar.

Don’t forget a few full-bodied reds for after-dinner moments and a dessert wine.

If you had to recommend five must-have wines for an onboard cellar, what would they be?

A Champagne
A light white like Chablis
A local white wine
A Provence rosé
A Burgundy red

What kind of service or ritual is essential when serving wine in an exclusive setting like a luxury yacht?

It’s essential to have proper wine training and professional service skills. This allows you to provide an informal yet still professional service experience.

How can crew members learn more about wine, and what are the benefits of having basic wine knowledge?

As I mentioned, WSET Levels 1, 2, and even 3 can provide great training and boost confidence when dealing with demanding clients. If the yacht is based in Spain, I recommend the Wine Scholar Guild’s course on Spain, which offers an excellent overview of the country’s wines.

What advice would you give to yacht crews to feel confident recommending or serving wine to their guests?

Recommend what you personally enjoy.

For those who want to learn more, could you suggest any books, courses, or resources for crew members who want to deepen their wine knowledge?

There are countless websites offering excellent information without needing to take a course, such as Wine Folly and Wine-Searcher.

After that, it’s worth taking a course and buying books like The Wine Atlas.

Thank you, Gabi, for sharing your invaluable expertise on fine wines and the yachting industry. Gabi is also a valued member of the Vintage Class team, the official WSET agents in Spain, providing specialised Wine & Spirit Education Trust training tailored for luxury yacht crews. These globally recognised courses aim to enhance guest satisfaction, elevate professional skills, and even drive onboard revenue. Don’t miss the chance to learn from one of the finest talents in the industry!

If you would like to receive for information about course, email us at [email protected]

Get to Know Gabi Lucas’ Personal Taste in Wine

In this quickfire Proust-style Q&A, Gabi Lucas shares his personal preferences and memorable wine experiences.

• Your favourite wine for a celebration? Champagne
• A wine region you love and why? Piemonte – it feels like travelling back in time, plus the food is amazing.
• A grape variety you think is underrated? Monastrell
• A grape variety you think is overrated? Pinot Noir
• The most exotic or rare wine you’ve tried? Podrum Čokot Radovan, a Serbian wine made from Prokupac grapes in the Tri Morave region.
• An unexpected pairing you recommend? Fig tiramisu with Dom Pérignon Rosé 1996
• What do you expect from a Champagne? Enjoyment
• A wine everyone should try at least once? A good Palo Cortado
• Which wine would you toast with at a yacht sunset? It depends: if I’m just starting to drink, a Provence rosé. If I’ve been drinking all day, a white Meursault.
• If you could bring only one wine for a long journey, what would it be? A good Sherry
• Bordeaux or Burgundy? Burgundy