Other
Gabriela Davogustto
Sommelier
- Discipline
- Other
i. Biography
Since 2017, the wine program at Clay in Harlem has been shaped by Gabriela Davogustto as both wine director and partner. The list reads with restraint rather than display, with Spanish wines forming the backbone and selections chosen for clarity, structure, and a measured sense of discovery. At Clay, that approach keeps the program quietly exploratory while staying alert to value, with particular attention to bottles in the $60 to $70 range so guests can move beyond the familiar without overreaching.
The Path
A practical foundation in culinary work and wine study sits behind the list. Gabriela Davogustto trained at the Institute of Culinary Education and completed the WSET program, bringing together kitchen discipline and the language of wine evaluation. That combination shows in the way the list is built: direct, exacting, and attentive to how wine is read at the table. Since 2017, her work as partner and wine director at Clay has helped define the restaurant glass by glass.
The Work Today
“Low intervention” is the organizing idea Gabriela Davogustto uses for the list, but the point is not novelty for its own sake. The wines are chosen to stay clean and precise, with enough definition to read clearly in the glass. Accessibility is part of the structure too. By keeping a strong range in the $60 to $70 bracket, she makes room for guests to try different varieties and regions with less hesitation and more confidence.
Signature
Among Gabriela Davogustto’s focus bottles are Paolo Bea’s Pagliaro, Radikon Merlot, and Gravner Ribolla Gialla. Taken together, they point to a palate drawn to wines with texture, distinction, and enough detail to merit a second look. These are bottles that tend to slow a room down: not by force, but by giving the table something to read.
In Their Words “I also look for wines that are affordable and try to offer a lot in the $60 to $70 range so people will feel comfortable trying wines that are different varieties or from different areas.”
Profile updated July 2026
FAQ
Asked of Gabriela
What is Gabriela Davogustto's current role?
As of 2026, Gabriela Davogustto is Wine Director.
Where did Gabriela Davogustto train or study?
Gabriela Davogustto trained at Institute of Culinary Education and WSET program.
What is Gabriela Davogustto known for?
Spanish wines.
