Dragiša DAMLJANOVIĆ

Knowledge, hard work, and a relentless pursuit of excellence define Dragiša Damljanović, the head sommelier at the La Gora winery restaurant on Fruška Gora. Recognized as one of the leading wine professionals in Serbia, Damljanović treats the world of viticulture not merely as a profession, but as a defining way of life. His approach is rooted in the belief that a top-tier sommelier must never stop learning, maintaining a rigorous regimen of „order, work, and discipline“ to stay at the peak of his field. His professional credentials place him at the very top of the international wine community. Damljanović is the only official Serbian candidate for the prestigious Master Sommelier title and is representing his country this year at the Best Sommelier of the World, the most significant global competition in the industry. These milestones are the result of years of consistent excellence, including holding the title of Advanced Sommelier at the Court of Master Sommeliers since 2019 and earning a diploma from the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI). A prominent member of the Serbian Sommelier Association (SERSA), Dragiša has already left a significant mark on the competitive circuit. He has twice secured the vice-champion title at national competitions and earned the same honor at the Young Sommelier of Europe competition in Poland. His refined sensibility for the interplay between wine and gastronomy was shaped by both formal education at the University of Hotel Management in Belgrade and extensive professional training abroad. Before leading the cellar at La Gora, he honed his skills within the luxury hospitality sector, including being a key member of the preopening team at the St. Regis.