Zack’s story begins during the twilight of Communism in Varna, Bulgaria, one of the oldest cities in Europe with a history dating back over 7,000 years, nestled on the picturesque shores of the Black Sea. After completing his mandatory military service, where he was trained to defend against imperialism and Western influences, Zack embarked on an academic journey that led him to earn his first Master’s degree in Economics and Management of Commerce from the University of Economics in Varna. His thirst for knowledge then took him to St. Cyril and St. Methodius University of Veliko Tarnovo, where he earned a second Master’s degree in Psychology and Sociology of Management.
Zack’s entrepreneurial spirit saw him explore various fields, but his true calling emerged when he joined XBM Wine Distributors. There, Zack discovered his passion for wine, traveling across Bulgaria to visit vineyards and wineries, absorbing the rich tapestry of the country’s wine heritage. His life changed when he met a girl who was vacationing in Bulgaria and married her, following her on a journey to Las Vegas where they started a family and have two daughters.
In Las Vegas, Zack’s first role was at The Palms Hotel, managing the wine program and crossing paths with Chef Barry S. Dakake and Yassine Lyoubi at N9VE Italiano. His talent and dedication soon took him to the Golden Nugget Hotel, where he curated the award-winning wine program at Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse, part of Landry’s, America’s most powerful restaurant group. The allure of the Strip then beckoned, and Zack became a Sommelier at the Aria Hotel & Casino, overseeing the wine programs for seven fine dining restaurants. Zack showcased his expertise at various acclaimed restaurants: French Bardot Brasserie under Chef Michael Mina, Japanese BARMASA & Tetsu by Chef Masa Takayama, Chinese Blossom led by Chef Chi Kwun Choi, Italian Carbone by Chef Mario Carbone, Jean Georges Steakhouse by Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, and the Contemporary American restaurant Sage by Chef Shawn McClain. Then he dedicated his skills to crafting the wine program for Chef Julian Serrano at his namesake restaurant, Julian Serrano Tapas.
In 2020, amidst the global pandemic, Chef Barry extended an invitation to Zack to helm the wine program at Barry’s Steakhouse. Under Zack’s guidance, the wine program flourished, earning multiple accolades, including the prestigious 2024 Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence.
Zack Vasilev is a Certified Sommelier by the Court of Master Sommeliers-America, Certified Sake Professional by Sake Education Council and a Certified Sherry Wine Specialist. When he isn’t exploring wine regions with his wife, he spends his time snowboarding with his daughters and vacationing around the world with his family.
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