Isa Bal, Head Sommelier at The Fat Duck Restaurant

Since 2005, Isa Bal has held the highly sought-after position of head sommelier of The Fat Duck. A restaurant that needs no introductions, Heston Blumenthal’s flagship establishment has earned three Michelin stars as well as the titles of Best Restaurant in the World from Restaurant Magazine in 2005 and the Good Food Guide Best Restaurant in the U.K. Isa has created a wine list that represents a collection of some 700 of the world’s best bottlings. 

Born in Turkey, Isa has a BA in tourism and hotel management and Master Sommelier Diploma from the Court Of Master Sommeliers. He has been working as sommelier since 2000, and held roles at the Vineyard at Stockcross and Clos Maggiores. In 2008, he won the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale’s Best Sommelier of Europe competition.