At Friarwood, we love connecting with industry professionals who bring a fresh perspective to the world of wine. This time, we had the pleasure of speaking with Carina Eynaud, Restaurant Manager at Pachamama Group, about her journey into the wine industry, the trends she’s most excited about, and her advice for those just starting out.
From Waitressing to WSET: A Journey into Wine
Carina, what first sparked your love for wine and led you to pursue a career in the industry?
"I don’t remember there being one moment when I suddenly realised I loved wine. It was always something I found interesting. I loved tastings and learning about the wine industry while working as a waitress in various restaurants, and I took every opportunity to learn something new. When I started working at Zephyr, I had even more chances to attend wine tastings and be actively involved in selling wines. That really helped my passion grow.
I think my love for wine deepened when I started studying WSET. Understanding the complexities of winemaking and the broader industry gave me a new level of appreciation and enjoyment. Since then, I’ve been eager to keep learning and growing within the industry."
Can you share a memorable experience or a special bottle that shaped your journey in wine?
"One of my most memorable bottles was in a small restaurant in Cinque Terre with a friend. We wanted to try something local and completely different from what we’d normally choose, so we asked the waiter for his recommendation. He brought us a bottle of I Magnati Cinque Terre Bianco, and whether it was the atmosphere, the experience, or the wine itself, it became one of the most memorable bottles I’ve ever had.
That moment sparked my appreciation for local wines and small producers. It also encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone and try wines I had never heard of before. Now, I find that trying something completely unknown is an exciting opportunity for growth."
What trends or changes in the wine industry excite you the most right now?
"Over the last few years, I’ve noticed a growing interest in lesser-known and indigenous grape varieties, and I’ve loved seeing that trend take off. At Bottarga, I’ve noticed that younger wine drinkers are especially eager to explore and try something new or ‘local’, even if they don’t know much about the wine itself.
We used to sell mostly big-name, well-known wines, but now, the demand for unique selections is reflected in our own wine list. We now feature indigenous Greek varieties like Vidiano, Liatiko, and Savatiano, which are becoming more popular with customers. I think this trend will continue to grow across a wider demographic."
What would you like to see more of in the UK wine scene—whether in restaurants, wine bars, or retail spaces?
"I’d love to see more wine tastings and events specifically geared towards beginners or those just getting curious about wine.
I always found large industry events daunting, and I think if there had been smaller, more approachable events, I would have gained confidence and expanded my knowledge much faster. I also think these types of events would encourage more people in hospitality to expand their skill set. I see so many newcomers who have enthusiasm but don’t know where to start. Giving them that early guidance would make a huge difference."
What advice would you give to someone just starting their journey in the world of wine?
"I wish I had just dove in sooner. I’m still early in my own wine journey, but the more I push myself to attend events and meet with suppliers and producers, the more my confidence grows.
You’ll end up meeting friendly and fascinating people who want to share their knowledge and help you grow in the industry. There’s really nothing to be scared of—just get started!"
Carina’s enthusiasm for learning and her passion for discovering new wines is exactly what makes the wine world such an exciting place. If you’re ever dining at Pachamama Group, don’t hesitate to ask for her recommendations—you might just discover your new favourite bottle!
