The Academy searches for its stars

4th November 2008, 10:34am

The Academy of Food & Wine is beginning its search to find the UK Sommelier of the Year 2009.

The challenge consists of a paper judging followed by five regional finalists, held in February. Some 15 of the top placed regional finalists will qualify for the semi-finals, being held at London's Tate Modern on 29 April, along with the three top sommeliers then competing in the final on the same day.

In front of an invited audience of around 200 people, the final will be held on a stage set up like a real restaurant. One at a time each finalist has to cope with customers arriving, leaving and ordering as well as having staff to manage.

All three finalists then complete a quick blind tasting session and the infamous Champagne pour, where a magnum of Champagne has to be completely poured into 16 flutes without returning to any of the glasses.

Employers are invited to nominate a member of their staff for the competition by downloading an entry form from www.afws.co.uk or by calling the Academy on 020 8661 4646. The closing date for entries is 5 December.

The Academy has secured a three-year sponsorship deal for the competition with Champagnes Piper-Heidsieck & Charles Heidsieck.

Nick Scade, chief executive of the Academy, said: "Last year's competition was hugely successful, but we are hoping to attract a record number of entrants this year. Sommeliers play a vital part of the service restaurants offer. Not only can they guide customers towards good-value, quality wines, but their level of knowledge can assist restaurateurs in the running of their cellars and sourcing of wines."

Christian Holthausen, International House Communications Director, Champagnes Piper-Heidsieck & Charles Heidsieck, continued: "Consumers have become extremely discerning about where they spend their money. More than ever, they are asking sommeliers to provide them with guidance.

"This competition aims to seek out and recognise their skills and knowledge. We are delighted to be supporting the Sommelier of the Year and to be able to reward and acknowledge the wonderful job that sommeliers do."

Related Articles:

• 18 Apr 2012 - The Academy of Food & Wine Service appoints events and membership manager
• 10 Mar 2011 - The Academy of Food and Wine Service secures grant from Savoy Educational Trust
• 16 Nov 2010 - The search begins for UK Sommelier of the Year 2011
• 22 Jun 2010 - Academy of Food & Wine reveals finalists for two competitions
• 29 Apr 2010 - UK sommelier of the year announced
• 10 Feb 2010 - AFW calls for chef and waiter teams to enter 2010 Gastronomy Team of the Year
• 03 Feb 2010 - Sommelier of the Year 2009 celebrates winning prize
• 14 Dec 2009 - The Academy of Food & Wine extends entry deadline for competition
• 09 Dec 2009 - Academy invites chefs and waiters to enter Future Stars of Gastronomy competition
• 30 Nov 2009 - AFW begins search to find UK's Best Restaurant Manager
• 13 Oct 2009 - The search for UK sommelier of the year 2010 begins
• 29 Jul 2009 - Chewton Glen duo crowned 2009 Gastronomy Team of the Year
• 15 Jun 2009 - UK's Young Sommelier of the Year winner announced
• 15 Jun 2009 - UK's Young Sommelier of the Year winner announced
• 12 May 2009 - Last call for entries for AFW challenge
• 30 Apr 2009 - Southampton sommelier wins top accolade
• 02 Mar 2009 - Regional winners for UK sommelier of the year announced
• 24 Feb 2009 - AFW launches new competition

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