UK sommelier of the year announced

29th April 2010, 10:54am

Christopher Delalonde, sommelier at Sarment Wines, London, has won the Champagne Piper-Heidsieck UK Sommelier of the Year 2010 following a final held last night at the new Westbury Gallery at the Westbury Mayfair hotel, London.

Delalonde was last year's runner-up but yesterday returned to the competition determined to win the title. He said: "Last year I came as a newcomer and finished second, this year I came here to win.

"Because of that I put myself under more pressure. It has been six months of hard work but I'm delighted to have won, particularly given the high standard of this year's competition."

The well deserved winner was presented with the winner's trophy by Victor Lanson, marketing controller, First Drinks, the UK agent for Champagnes Piper-Heidsieck & Charles Heidsieck. He also wins a trip to the House of Champagne Piper-Heidsieck in the heart of the Champagne region including a personal tasting with chief winemaker Régis Camus.

Victor Lanson, who was on the judging panel, commented: "While all three finalists were extremely impressive, Christopher was a worthy winner of the title. His ability to stay calm under pressure, think on his feet and the depth of wine and service knowledge he displayed shone through."

The Champagne Piper-Heidsieck UK Sommelier of the Year competition seeks to find the best sommelier or wine waiter in the UK based on wine knowledge, customer service skills and tasting ability.

Runner-up in the competition, organised by the Academy of Food & Wine, was Yohann Jousselin, head sommelier at the Vineyard at Stockcross, Newbury, with Clement Robert, head sommelier at Summer Lodge Country House Hotel, Evershot, taking third place.

Related Articles:

• 02 Jun 2011 - 2011 Piper-Heidsieck UK sommelier of the Year crowned
• 16 Nov 2010 - The search begins for UK Sommelier of the Year 2011
• 25 Feb 2010 - Semi-finalists of UK sommelier of the year revealed
• 03 Feb 2010 - Sommelier of the Year 2009 celebrates winning prize
• 13 Oct 2009 - The search for UK sommelier of the year 2010 begins
• 15 Jun 2009 - UK's Young Sommelier of the Year winner announced
• 24 Feb 2009 - AFW launches new competition
• 04 Nov 2008 - The Academy searches for its stars
• 22 May 2008 - Fat Duck sommelier wins top accolade

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