Anne-Sophie Garnier, the new face of Chez Bacchus
Originally from Besançon, Anne-Sophie opted for a career in the hotel and catering industry, specializing in management and marketing, as soon as she left high school. Having just graduated, she spent a season as a commis at the Auberge du Lion d’Or in Cologny. This first experience enabled her to take a trip to New Zealand, where she worked for a year to improve her English. On her return to the shores of Lake Geneva, the young apprentice moved to the Beau-Rivage Hotel’s Le Chat-Botté restaurant, where she worked her way up from commis to demi-chef de rang, then chef de rang, and finally administrative assistant.
The Covid period and the confinement give her some free time. With a sommelier friend, Anne-Sophie set off to explore Burgundy on the wine trail. Her passion was born from the discovery of the human relationship between the winemaker and his estate. Her meeting with Jacques Perrin, owner of the famous wine trading company CAVE SA, where she worked as administrative assistant for five years, only reinforced her choice. Then, feeling the need to refocus professionally, she decided to travel. However, she misses restaurants: “Behind a telephone, you lose your emotions. In the restaurant world, you’re like on a stage, you’re transmitting emotions. You talk to the customers, you’re there to give them a good time that you share with them.”
Becoming a sommelier
Her meeting with Vincent Debergé, Bacchus outlet manager, marked a new turning point in her life. She initially applied for an administrative job, but eventually accepted a position as sommelier. Surrounded by 1,000 wine references, Anne-Sophie is a self-taught wine connoisseur. She knows how to recognize vintages and grape varieties, and tastes whenever she can to analyze the wine’s structure. The various dishes to be shared have the power to create a convivial atmosphere to welcome customers. Eugène Bonnin and Anne-Sophie Garnier select and offer a dozen wines by the glass, evoking the same emotions as those experienced by the winemaker.
Dear epicureans, wine lovers or not, let’s end this portrait with the words of Anne-Sophie: “You don’t love wine, you discover it. It depends on the place, the moment and the person with whom you share it. It’s a whole”. So don’t hesitate to come and discover the selection offered by the Chez Bacchus sommeliers at Rond-point de Rive.
