Entries sought for UK Sommelier of the Year 2012

21st February 2012, 10:16am

The Academy of Food and Wine Service (AFWS) has this week launched its 2012 UK Sommelier of the Year competition and is seeking entries from sommeliers and wine waiters.

Now in its 33rd year the UK Sommelier of the Year competition has become one of the most closely contested titles in sommellerie with past winners including Yohann Jousselin of the Vineyard at Stockcross (2011), Christopher Delalonde of Sarment Wines (2010) and Laura Rhys from Hotel TerraVina (2009).

This year's judging panel includes three past winners - Matthieu Longuère MS of La Trompette (2000), Ronan Sayburn MS of Hotel du Vin (1998) and renowned sommelier and hotelier Gerard Basset OBE, MW, MS (1992).

The UK Sommelier of the Year competition seeks to find the best sommeliers by judging their wine and drink expertise as well as their ability to deal efficiently and knowledgeably with customers by demonstrating exemplary front of house skills.

The competition starts with a first round questionnaire, from which the top scoring candidates will be chosen to compete in the regional finals. Winners of the regional finals will then go forward to the final, being held on 23 May 2012 at the London International Wine Fair (LIWF) at ExCel London.

Academy executive director Sophie Roberts Brown said: "We are very excited about this year's competition and hope to receive a record number of entries from sommeliers with great wine and drink knowledge as well as good service skills. Holding the final at ExCel during the London International Wine Fair puts the competition at the heart of one of the wine trade's most important events."

Entry forms and further information can be obtained on the event's website at www.sommelieroftheyear.co.uk or from the Academy website at www.afws.co.uk. Alternatively call the Academy on 020 8661 4646. All entries must be accompanied by an employer nomination. The closing date for entries is 23 March 2012.

Related Articles:

• 18 Apr 2012 - The Academy of Food & Wine Service appoints events and membership manager

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