Meet Yves Sauboua

Good day, Yves. Could you tell us a little about your background and what led you to become a sommelier?

Yves Sauboua: Good day. My journey is, above all, a story of passion — for cultural heritage and gastronomy. I had the great fortune of growing up and coming of age in France, a country where the culture of the table is woven deeply into the fabric of everyday life. From a very early age, I was captivated by the work of the land, and by the extraordinary way in which a climate, a soil, and the skill of an artisan can all come together in a single glass.

Becoming a sommelier was never simply a career choice — it was a calling. A calling to become a storyteller. Over twenty years of experience spanning the globe, I came to understand that behind every great bottle, there are men and women who have dedicated their entire lives to their estate. My role has always been to understand their work as deeply as possible, so that I might share it with others as faithfully as I can.

What inspired you to open Wine Square here, in Phuket specifically?

Yves Sauboua: Asia — and Thailand in particular — has an extraordinarily rich and vibrant gastronomic scene. Yet I noticed that something crucial was often missing: access to niche, carefully sourced products, stored under truly impeccable conditions, and accompanied by genuine professional guidance.

Phuket’s tropical climate imposes very strict demands when it comes to preservation. With Wine Square, the ambition was to create a true sanctuary — a space where temperature and humidity are kept under perfect control at all times.

But beyond the technical dimension, I wanted to create a place of exchange and discovery. Somewhere that enthusiasts could walk into, ask questions freely, explore new regions, and genuinely connect with the philosophy of the producers we represent.

On that note — how do you go about selecting the wines and spirits that make up your cellar?

Yves Sauboua: Our selection process is exceptionally rigorous, and it deliberately steers well clear of the beaten track. I have a deep aversion to standardisation. When I am sourcing new wines and spirits, authenticity is always the first and foremost criterion.

That is precisely why 90% of our cellar is made up of family-owned estates — small properties with an annual production of between 10,000 and 200,000 bottles. I travel, I meet the artisans in person, I observe their methods with my own eyes.

Today, between 80 and 90% of our references come from estates practising organic or sustainable farming. Whether it is a classified European grand cru, an exciting emerging domaine from the New World, or a selection from our expertly curated range of artisanal spirits — including century-old Cognacs and refined eaux-de-vie — the number one criterion always remains the same: respect for terroir and tradition.

The legislation and culture surrounding these products is very specific in Thailand. How do you adapt your role as a sommelier to this particular context?

Yves Sauboua: We have the utmost respect for Thai legislation, which strictly governs how we communicate within our sector. And frankly, this resonates deeply with my own personal vision of the profession. A sommelier is not there to encourage consumption — quite the contrary.

Our mission is purely qualitative and educational. We guide our clients through the art of tasting — helping them understand the complexity of a product, appreciate its history, and savour its nuances.

We structure our entire approach around gastronomy: how to achieve the finest food and wine pairings, how to manage a private cellar, and how to use the right accessories — decanters, aerators — to truly honour the product. It is an approach rooted in respect for the craft and genuine cultural appreciation.

Finally, what would you say to someone walking through the doors of Wine Square for the very first time?

Yves Sauboua: I would simply say: be curious. Do not allow yourself to be intimidated by technical jargon or the prestige of a particular label. At Wine Square, we are here for you — whatever your level of knowledge, wherever you are on your journey.

The world of wine is an endless voyage — one filled with geographical, historical, and deeply human discoveries. Come with your questions, your tastes, your culinary curiosities, and allow us to guide you towards the artisan who will spark something in you.