Larissa Muller - Sommelier

Larissa Muller was awarded the Cuisine Good Food Awards Sommelier & Wine Experience 2024 sponsored by Villa Maria Wines.

Originally from Brazil, Larissa arrived in New Zealand in 2006 attracted by the mystic of The Lord of the Rings. And she stayed. By chance, finding herself in Hamilton in 2013, Larissa applied for a job at Palate Restaurant. 

‘After a 2-hour phone interview with Chef Mat McLean, which felt like I was talking to an old friend, I was hired. Working as restaurant manager, I also developed by wine knowledge and bartending skill and have trained many people over all these years, comments Larissa.

‘In 2020, Mat then made me an offer I couldn’t refuse. We became business partners, and this was the best decision I have ever made.'.

Palate is a Hamilton culinary institution. Founded by Mat McLean in 2005, Palate started as a modest 45-seater restaurant in Victoria St, and later relocated to bigger premises, overlooking Waikato River, where it could seat 80 guests. In 2024, Palate moved to SkyCity Hamilton located in the heart of Hamilton’s main street.

Chef Mat McLean is regarded as one of New Zealand’s leading chefs and Palate is one of New Zealand’s most awarded restaurants. Mat cooks from scratch each day and is inspired by the seasons. He describes his food as “complicated simplicity” paired with Larissa’s comprehensive beverage offering.

‘Our menu and wine list work side by side, just like Mat and me. We are constantly changing and adapting. We try to keep things as local as possible and showcasing what we believe to be the best New Zealand has to offer. 

‘Sometimes I will pick a wine and Mat will create a dish to go with it rather than the other way around. It’s like a fun game and for me an exciting challenge. There will always be something a little funky, charming and new for our customers to savour,’ says Larissa.

View the Palate Beverage List here

Trained as a sommelier, Larissa has also studied WSET programmes at the New Zealand School of Food and Wine and continues with her wine and beverage education. 

‘I really enjoy the training aspect of my role at Palate. Of course, there’s always room for classic wines on our wine list but then again I love to look for wines and wineries that are not particularly well known.

'The cocktail list is built around my own signature recipes which have evolved over the years. And we also like to experiment and mix-up whatever our customers prefer. We have a full bar with all the specialist spirits and cocktail ingredients.

And what gets her to work each day?

‘The people! Without a doubt!  comments Larissa.

'From our staff, customers and suppliers… It’s a dynamic and entertaining game, in the sense that I never know what the day will bring, and how I must adapt accordingly.  

'It is exciting and I absolutely love it! I never stop. The stories that I hear, and people that I meet are worthy of a book, a comedy novel perhaps…?'

Congratulations, Larissa!