The Academy of Food & Wine Service (AFWS) has this week launched the Moët UK Sommelier of the Year 2013, one of the most sought-after titles in the UK’s front-of-house beverage service profession.
Entries are encouraged from sommeliers and wine waiters from across the hospitality sector including high street restaurants, pubs, hotels, as well as fine dining establishments.
“The competition has really broadened in appeal over the past few years,” commented AFWS executive director John Croft. “The tasks not only test wine expertise, but competitors’ service skills, personality and general drinks knowledge too.
“We hope this year will see entries from a wide range of establishments. Taking part is a fantastic opportunity to learn more about wine and wine service as well as the chance to network with other industry professionals.”
Now in its 34th year the Moët UK Sommelier of the Year competition seeks to find the best wine waiter or sommelier based on wine and drink expertise, ability to deal with customers, and front of house service skills.
The panel of expert judges will be chaired by current world champion sommelier and hotelier Gerard Bassett OBE, MW, MS.
Said Emelie de Vitis, marketing manager for sponsor Moët & Chandon: “As the world’s best loved Champagne, we know very well just how demanding and fast moving this area of the hospitality industry can be. Sommeliers who successfully show their knowledge of, professionalism in and enthusiasm for wine deserve the recognition and rewards that this competition gives.”
On receipt of an entry form all entrants will be sent a first round written questionnaire, to be completed by 15 February 2013. The top scoring candidates will be chosen to compete in the regional finals on 25 March 2013 with winners going forward to the semi-final and final at London’s Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park on 28 May 2013.
The winner of the Moët UK Sommelier of the Year 2013 title wins a bespoke trip to the maison’s historic cellars in Epernay – including tastings of new, current and rare vintages with chef de cave Benoît Gouez, vineyard visits with François Lhotte and a food and champagne pairing experience at Trianon.
In addition, the Boutinot Bursary will fund an all-expenses paid trip to visit the Southern Rhone Valley during the 2013 harvest giving the winner a wonderful opportunity to learn more about this stunning area.
All six finalists will be given a 12-month complimentary membership of The Wine Guild of the United Kingdom, including an invitation to its annual winter banquet held at Vintners’ Hall in London, the historic home of the UK’s wine trade.
Entry forms can be obtained by calling Sarah Peters on 0845 600 1488 or 0203 397 7078 or emailing on sarah@afws.co.uk. Alternatively download a form at www.afws.co.uk or www.sommelieroftheyear.co.uk.
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For further information, please contact: Academy of Food & Wine Service Linda Pettit T. 01342 832866, M. 07973 789853 Linda@tilburstowmedia.co.uk
Möet & Chandon Emma Wellings, Emma Wellings PR T. 020 8747 9592, M. 07802 224144 emma@ew-pr.co.uk
EDITOR’S NOTES
About the Academy
The Academy of Food & Wine Service (AFWS), established in 1988, is the professional body for food and beverage service. It is dedicated to improving the status and awareness of food and beverage service as a viable career choice, raising standards across the industry and encouraging teamwork with other colleagues. AFWS can offer advice and training to anyone following, or considering, a career as a sommelier, wine waiter, waiter, bar manager or restaurant manager.
www.afws.co.uk
About Moët & Chandon
Moët & Chandon has been the champagne of success and glamour since 1743. Renowned for its achievements, firsts and legendary pioneering spirit, Moët & Chandon is the Maison that introduced champagne to the world. Synonymous with the most venerable of traditions and the most modern of pleasures, Moët & Chandon has celebrated life’s most triumphant moments with grandeur and generosity for nearly 270 years.
Moët & Chandon Champagnes
Moët & Chandon shares the magic of champagne with the world, offering a range of unique wines for every occasion, mood and palate. From the iconic Moët Impérial to the Grand Vintage Collection, the extroverted Moët Rosé Impérial to the innovative Moët Ice Impérial, each champagne dazzles and delights with bright fruitiness, a seductive palate and an elegant maturity.