Baccarat Hotel has appointed Luba Shmeleva as Wine Director, tasking her with overseeing beverage service across the Grand Salon, The Bar, in-room dining, and private events. Shmeleva arrives with Court of Master Sommeliers certification and a proven track record at luxury properties including Equinox Hotel, where she led the wine program to Wine Spectator's Best of Award of Excellence.
Shmeleva's path to Baccarat began in Moscow under the mentorship of a private wine collector. After earning a finance degree and working three years in investment banking, she completed her CMS certification in London and made the leap to full-time sommelier work. Her career has taken her through fine-dining properties in the Bahamas and New York, where she's focused on building wine programs that balance classic selections with contemporary trends like natural wines and sustainable practices.
At Baccarat, she's building a wine program that serves both the hotel's discerning overnight guests and its event clientele. The role demands fluency in high-end hospitality—understanding what a hedge fund manager wants with dinner versus what a private wedding party expects. Shmeleva's approach integrates traditional wine knowledge with current consumer preferences, particularly around environmental consciousness and emerging wine regions.
Beyond Baccarat, Shmeleva operates a boutique consultancy developing private wine cellars and organizing bespoke wine dinners. She also dedicates time to fundraising for Help For Children, a nonprofit focused on child abuse prevention, through wine-focused charitable events.
The Baccarat appointment signals the hotel's intention to elevate its beverage program in a competitive New York luxury market. With natural wine gaining traction among affluent guests and sustainability increasingly influencing purchasing decisions, operators need wine directors who can curate lists that reflect both timeless quality and evolving tastes. Shmeleva's track record suggests she can deliver both. For reservations: 212.790.8800 or baccarathotels.com.
