Paz LEVINSON
Head sommelier : Pic Named Best Sommelier in the Americas in 2015, Paz Levinson of Argentina has been directing the wine service at Anne-Sophie Pic’s restaurants—including Maison Pic (4 toques) in Valence—since 2018.
Presentation
Nothing suggested she would end up in the wine industry. Born in 1978 in Bariloche, Patagonia, Paz Levinson had envisioned herself as a literature teacher. It was while working as a server—alongside her studies in Buenos Aires—that she developed a passion for fine wines. Starting as an assistant sommelier at a restaurant in the Argentine capital, she rose to become the head sommelier and went on to win a string of titles: Best Sommelier in Argentina in 2010 and 2014, Best Sommelier in the Americas in 2015, and fourth place in the World’s Best Sommelier competition in 2016.
From Paris to Valence, alongside Anne-Sophie Pic
Now based in France, she honed her skills at La Ferme Saint-Simon,L’Épicure at the Bristol, and then at Virtus, all in Paris. In March 2018, Anne-Sophie Pic entrusted her with the leadership of her group’s sommelier department. As the first woman to hold this position, Paz Levinson has since overseen the wine lists for the chef’s restaurants, from Maison Pic (4 toques) in Valence to the group’s other locations, both in France and abroad.
A Sommelier’s Guide to All Beverages
Her belief: a sommelier must be an expert in all beverages. This approach to food and drink pairings extends to sake, tea, coffee, cocktails, and non-alcoholic creations—an area in which the restaurant is a pioneer. A member of the jury for the Kura Master sake competition since 2017, she travels regularly to Japan to satisfy a curiosity that knows no bounds.
