On International Women’s Day every year, the voices and stories of women across the world are celebrated, as we address the issues that cause gender inequality and diversity. But despite these issues remaining, such voices and stories take a backseat once the day is done.
We think it’s worth doing the opposite and actively challenging the issues that create these gaps in our industry. So, we’ve launched this weekly series, Wednesday Women, where we’ll profile the stories of the inspiring women in this great and wide industry.
Today we speak with Liinaa Berry, a wine consultant whose diverse career has been shaped by her relentless curiosity about wine’s ability to connect people and cultures.
With eight years of Melbourne hospitality experience under her belt, Berry moved home to Mauritius in 2013. Intrigued by the storytelling aspect of wine, she pursued a career as a sommelier at luxury resorts and became infatuated with the industry.
“The real moment of transformation came when I tasted a truly exceptional wine for the first time – a Barolo. It stopped me in my tracks. I was in disbelief at the depth in the wine. I associated the rather lighter colour in the glass to a lighter wine, I was wrong and I certainly did not expect such complexity. That single experience sparked a desire to learn everything I could about wine.
“I realised I needed to do something more meaningful in the sense that I needed to explore the deeper layers behind the glass, and research the historical and geological aspects that created the vineyards that we love today,” she told The Shout.
After just two years as a sommelier, Berry was poached by a wine collector to open and curate his cellar in the Adelaide Hills. Three years later, the 2000-bottle list that she wrote won Best Winelist of South Australia and was a finalist for Best Winelist of Australia.
Berry remained working in wine roles for high-end venues in South Australia until she moved back to Melbourne in 2022 and opened a wine bar in an old jail, Pentridge. Currently, she works as a wine consultant and buyer, creating bespoke wine lists and memorable dining experiences, drawing on a decade of specialist wine experience.
“As a sommelier consultant, my approach is collaborative and thoughtful. I begin by understanding the chef’s vision, the restaurant’s identity, and the clientele. From there, I create a wine program that reflects those elements while offering depth, diversity, and value.
“I believe a great wine list should tell a story rather than just be a list of bottles. It should encourage discovery, so I ensure there’s something exciting for both the adventurous and the traditional wine drinker,” Berry explained.
European influence
In her career, Berry has travelled through 35 European wine regions, which profoundly shaped her perspective on the industry and accelerated her passion.
“These travels have enriched not only my understanding of wine but also my ability to connect guests and clients with wines that carry a genuine sense of place. They’ve shown me that every bottle is a time capsule, a book waiting to be read, a moment in time waiting to unravel, whether it’s from an iconic estate or a small family vineyard, and I feel incredibly privileged to share these stories in my work.
“One of the biggest influences on my journey has been my love for Central European wines, particularly Austrian wines. I have a deep admiration for the precision and elegance of Austrian winemaking, which is why I’m often invited to attend Vievinum in Vienna. These visits allow me to immerse myself in the culture, connect with producers, and further my appreciation for the region’s incredible diversity,” she says.
Berry has had the pleasure of visiting iconic producers like Anselme Selosse and Bérêche et Fils in Champagne, where she gained an understanding of the intricacies of grower Champagne, but equally impactful have been the lesser-known producers she’s had the privilege of meeting.
“Sattlerhof in Styria, Mee Godard in Beaujolais, and Catherine & Pierre Breton in Bourgueil are so uniquely different and so impactful in their own ways. These vignerons have shown me the beauty of working with nature and staying true to their terroir, often in the face of challenges,” she added.
Exploring the dynamic New Zealand wine industry
Last year, Berry was announced as a successful recipient of the 2025 New Zealand Wine Sommelier Scholarship, an experience that connects elite sommeliers from around the globe with New Zealand’s wine regions.
As a wine consultant and educator, it’s crucial for Berry to stay at the forefront of global wine trends and to understand the diverse and evolving nature of global wine regions. She is confident that the scholarship will allow her to bring a better understanding of New Zealand wines back to her work.
“New Zealand’s wine industry is dynamic and innovative, and deepening my knowledge of its terroirs, winemaking practices, and emerging trends will enable me to offer more informed and nuanced insights to my clients, whether they’re looking to curate exceptional wine lists or explore new and exciting regions,” she continued.
“My curiosity is piqued by the region’s unique soils, topography, and geology, and I’m eager to explore how these factors, along with the climate, influence the wines produced there. Additionally, I’m keen to learn how New Zealand approaches some of the industry’s most pressing challenges, such as climate change and the impact of global warming on viticulture.”
For Berry, the scholarship is about more than expanding her expertise, it’s a way of strengthening her ties with the New Zealand wine community, for the benefit of both Australia and New Zealand.
“On a more personal level, I’m also drawn to the cultural connection between Australia and New Zealand, two countries that share so much in terms of history, language, and, of course, wine. The shared understanding and admiration between our two nations are something I want to explore further, particularly in the context of how New Zealand wines resonate with Australian audiences,” Berry stated.
“As the relationship between Australian and New Zealand wine continues to grow, having an in-depth understanding of New Zealand’s regions will put me in a unique position to foster connections and collaborations between the two countries.”