Cord’s Head Sommelier ranked in Top 50 Sommeliers in the UK 2024

Nominations for the list come from sommeliers, hospitality professionals and diners from across the UK, and the ranking is based on the nominees’ experience, career, educational achievements, day to day responsibilities and performance in competitions.

During the ceremony held on 10th June 2024, Jiachen was also awarded a place on the list of Top 5 Ones-to-Watch, recognising her great potential in the field.

Jiachen originally trained as a lawyer, and practised law for six years in Chicago. Looking for a break from years of studying and working, she decided to attend Le Cordon Bleu London to study wine. Soon after starting the programme, however, she found her true passion. She graduated with “Mention Bien” from the Diploma of Wine Gastronomy and Management with Internship Pathway at Le Cordon Bleu London in 2018.

After a sommelier internship at the Little Nell in Aspen, Jiachen returned in 2019 to attend the Diplôme de Cuisine which led to an internship at Le Gavroche in London where her dessert dish creation found its place on the lunch menu in March 2020.

As sommelier at Dinings SW3, Jiachen and fellow alumna Gail Li won the UK 2023 Gosset Matchmakers competition and competed at the 10th Edition of the Copa Jerez International Sherry Pairing Competition in Spain, returning with the Best Starter and Sherry Pairing award.

In 2024, Jiachen was appointed Head Sommelier at CORD, curating an exceptional list of wines and beverages, and sharing her expertise with guests to enhance their dining experience.

You can enjoy Jiachen's exquisite wine pairings alongside Cord's 9-course tasting menu by booking a table today and follow her pairing combinations on Instagram at the_pairing_life.