As an Associazione Italiana Sommeliers (AIS) accredited Certified Sommelier since 2008, Zainal demonstrated a wealth of hands-on experience and knowledge over 20 years of successful career in wine sales. Driven by a passion for fine wines, he toured top vineyards in France, California and Italy, and fulfilled his 6-months Sommelier Internship at Les Ambassadeurs in Hotel du Crillon, Paris in 1991.
After spending 8 years as sommelier at Truffles at The Dynasty Hotel (now Singapore Marriott) in the 90's, he ventured into wine sales. Having worked with a number of leading wine distributor including Olivier Singapore, Veuve Clicquot Singapore, Culina, Le Vigne, Cornerstone, he joined Enoteca Singapore in late 2019, as Senior Sales Manager.
As well as being the first runner-up at the inaugural Sopexa Best Sommelier for French Wines & Spirits in 1990 and the first runner up at 1991 Veuve Clicquot Scholarship, Zainal was the Sommelier of the Year 1991 endorsed by the Diners Club / Accent Magazine.
