We love to challenge the status quo !
SemiPlume’s female entrepreneur founders are inspired, talented and determined. CEO and Founder Sabrina Duong and Sommelier Julie Dupouy first connected over their love of Cognac, and decided to break barriers, redefining the four-century-old tradition of Cognac making by creating their own brand, Exsto Cognac, in 2019.
After challenging perceptions and opening the category to new generations, Sabrina and Julie have now turned their refined palates and talent for disruption to creating a non-alcoholic beverage: SemiPlume.
Sabrina, the visionary behind the SEMIPLUME
Before creating SemiPlume, Sabrina Duong has launched Exsto Cognac, and worked for 15 years at L’Oreal. She has extensive experience both in managing and developing local markets, and launching new cosmetic and fragrance brands in China, Japan, and Hong Kong.
Sabrina has a passion for high-end gastronomy, and in her previous career regularly brought chefs from restaurants rated by the French Michelin Guide to collaborate on luxury culinary experiences in Asia.
Julie, one of the world’s Best Sommeliers
Originally from the southwest of France, Julie Dupouy has been living in Dublin since 2004.
She started her career in one of Ireland’s most acclaimed restaurants, Patrick Guilbaud, which has two Michelin stars, and worked at Greenhouse and Chapter One, both of which have one star. Julie founded her consultancy company Down2Wine in 2014. Julie has won the title of Best Sommelier in Ireland every year since 2009.
In 2016, Julie placed third at the ASI World’s Best Sommelier Championship. She was one of just four women in the competition and the second female sommelier ever to reach the final of the world championships.