World’s First International Meat Sommelier
Wagyu Meister
MEET Lean Gentini
Leandro Gentini, affectionately known as "Lean", is the first World´s International Meat Sommelier.
Originally from Argentina, a country renowned for its rich meat culture, Lean relocated to Japan to master the art of Wagyu, delving into the complexities of this premium beef.
Certifed Meat Sommelier
Lean became one of the first graduates of the Meat Sommelier program in 2019 from ICOCA, Buenos Aires University. This intensive, year-long program included over 200 hours of training in sensory analysis, anatomy theory, culinary sessions led by top chefs among other practical modules.
(https://icoca.com.ar/sommeliers-de-carne/)
International collaboration between Japan and Argentina
Lean's contributions to the meat world were also evident through his pivotal role in helping to achieve a collaboration agreement between the Japan National Meat Academy and the Argentine Meat Sommelier Association (ICOCA). This significant partnership, celebrated at the Argentine Embassy in Japan, underscored the strong bilateral relations between the two countries and Lean's influential role in the global culinary narrative.
Official post from Embassy of Argentina in Japon (Instagram)
Member of Argentine Meat Sommelier Association
In 2020, Lean played a pivotal role in founding the Argentine Meat Sommelier Association. This organization aims to serve as an institutional bridge with different meat ndustry stakeholders, providing sensory analysis evaluations, tasting experiences, restaurant consultations, among other activites around meat.
Wagyu Expert
Lean's journey to specialize in Wagyu took him to Japan, where he studied for over four years. During that time, he completed a 12-month program covering all aspects of Wagyu—from cuts and brands to feeding and aging techniques. He gained deep insights from multiple perspectives, including consumers, farmers, producers, and butchers industry.
Ambassador for United States (West Coast) for the 101 World´s Best Steak Restaurants
In 2022, Lean was distinguished as the "Steak Ambassador" for Japan by the prestigious 101 Best Steakhouses Ranking organization (https://www.worldbeststeaks.com) . A few years later in 2024 he was appointed as Ambassdor for Uniteds States west coast., affirming his mission to enhance the global recognition of Japan's steakhouses.
Judge of World Steak Challenge
In 2023, Lean's expertise was further recognized when he was appointed as a judge for the World Steak Challenge, particularly for its inaugural Wagyu category. He was later promoted to Chief of Panel Judge for the 2024 edition, highlighting his deep knowledge of beef quality standards.
Wagyu Olympics in Kagoshima
In 2022, Lean was invited to the 12th edition of the Wagyu Olympics in Kagoshima, a quintessential event held every five years that celebrates Wagyu excellence. His insights garnered international attention, including an interview by NHK, further amplifying his influence in the field.
Internatinoal speaker
Lean is a speaker at both national and international conferences, where he shares his journey as a Meat Sommelier specializing in Wagyu. He offers valuable insights into the intricate aspects of Wagyu value creation in Japan.
Advisory Board Member - The Beef Advocate
In 2026, Lean was appointed to the Advisory Board of The Beef Advocate, a prestigious organization dedicated to promoting higher standards in beef production and responsible consumption. In this role, he contributes to advancing transparency, quality, and sustainability across the global beef industry.
Trusted voice in the Wagyu World
Recognized as a leading voice in Wagyu, Lean Gentini is regularly sought out by food critics and international publications—including Bloomberg, Fleisch & Co., and Food Republic—to share his perspective on one of the world’s most celebrated meats.
International Collaboration Between Irland and Argentina
On May 23, 2025, a significant milestone was reached in global food education as Ireland and Argentina officially strengthened their academic and industry ties through a new agreement focused on meat sciences and sustainable gastronomy.
Ambassador of The World Meat Championship
In 2025, Lean was honored as Ambassador for one of the most important events ever held in the world of meat — the World Meat Championship – CMDC® (Campeonato Mundial de Carne) — celebrated in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Wagyu influencer in Social media
Beyond his professional achievements, Lean has become a Wagyu influencer through his active engagement on social media. With insightful reviews, chef encounters, and a following of over 30k meat enthusiasts on Instagram, Lean shares his passion for Wagyu beef, connecting with a broad audience of both aficionados and novices.
