Born in Nagykanizsa, Tamás Czinki developed a closer connection to the hospitality industry while studying at Budapest Business School. After graduating, he gained experience abroad before returning to Budapest, where he began exploring the sommelier profession more seriously at Fausto’s restaurant. Having completed WSET Levels 2 and 3, he moved to England to further his knowledge.
In December 2013, he joined the Michelin-starred Northcote as a sommelier—a defining step in his career. There, he was introduced to the Court of Master Sommeliers (CMS) qualifications and completed the first three levels by 2015. He then took on the formidable challenge of earning the Master Sommelier Diploma, a qualification held by just 267 people worldwide at the time described in this biography. In 2020, after five years of intensive study, he passed the required examinations, becoming the first Hungarian wine professional entitled to use the letters MS after his name.
Throughout his years in the United Kingdom, learning remained his priority. He had the opportunity to explore Portugal’s wine regions, harvest grapes for ice wine in Canada, and make regular visits to Champagne.
He also competed regularly in sommelier competitions, earning second place in the “Best Sommelier of the UK” competition and third place in “Best Young Sommelier of Europe.”
In 2020, he moved back to Hungary with his family. He works as Wine Director at Felix Kitchen and Bar, alongside his work as a consultant. As an educator, he hopes to share his experience and knowledge with those eager to learn.