The woman behind the wines
Sommelier of the van het Jaar: Tessa van de Wouw
A well-chosen wine can elevate a dish to a higher level. At Inter Scaldes, this art is in the hands of Tessa van de Wouw. On February 10, 2025, Gault&Millau named her Sommelier of the Year—a recognition of her craftsmanship and passion for wine. But how did this energetic 29-year-old professional reach this point?
Tessa’s Wine Journey
Born in 1995, Tessa began her career at Restaurant De Lindehof, where her talent for hospitality quickly stood out. In 2018, she secured third place in the National Hennessy Hospitality Award. A year later, she moved to Inter Scaldes, then led by former owner and three-star chef Jannis and Claudia Brevet, where she started as a restaurant manager.
In 2022, at just 26 years old, she was given the opportunity by Jannis Brevet to become a sommelier—at one of the most renowned restaurants in the Netherlands.
"It came unexpectedly, but it quickly became a passion. Jannis Brevet encouraged me to take on this role. I embodied everything the restaurant stood for… but I lacked knowledge about wine. So, I started studying. In 2022 and 2023, I achieved my first two sommelier levels: Introductory and Certified. That gave me a solid foundation in the world of wine."
Gault & Millau about Tessa van de Wouw
“This passionate wine expert possesses a remarkable amount of courage and knowledge, which has brought her to the top. She creates pairings that not everyone immediately understands, making her unique as a sommelier. Time and again, she manages to surprise and amaze her guests.”
A Wine Cellar with 4,500 Bottles
As sommelier of Inter Scaldes, Tessa manages an impressive wine collection: 700 labels and 4,500 bottles, spread across two cellars—one for French wines and one for international selections. Her favorites? Aged Rieslings, elegant Champagnes, and sun-kissed reds from Spain and Italy. She is known for her ability to surprise guests—not just with classics but with hidden gems.
"Taste is subjective. And that can be a challenge," Tessa explains. "Not everyone understands the pairings I make. But as Gault&Millau said during the award ceremony: that's precisely what makes my approach unique."
Wine Tasting with Tessa
Besides wine: she drinks Campari, black coffee, and sparkling water.
On her first day as a sommelier: she dropped a bottle of red wine in the cellar. "The stain is still there."
A special keepsake: She carries the cork of the first Champagne she sold on her keychain.
Unique talent: She remembers guests by the wine they previously ordered.
Wine bucket list: Drinking an aged vintage of Riesling G-Max by Keller.
Christmas tradition: Toasting with a Tignanello by Antinori—a wine she once found at a bargain price on a Tuscan wine list.
Vacations? Almost always to a wine region, together with her boyfriend Bram (sous-chef at Inter Scaldes).
Collects: Aged Rieslings and unique wine openers.
Favorite red wines: Those that bring the sun into your glass, especially from Spain and Italy.
Biggest inspiration: Her father, a vinologist.
Does she often drink a full glass? No, she tastes more often than she actually drinks.
Raise a glass with us!
Curious about Tessa van de Wouw’s wine and food pairings? Book your reservation at Inter Scaldes now and let yourself be surprised by the wines she selects to complement your dishes.