The Academy of Food and Wine is looking for the next UK Sommelier of the Year, and is inviting employers to nominate a member of their staff for the title.
The rigorous competition tests sommeliers’ knowledge of wine and service, as well as business judgement and the ability to think and act quickly. Entrants will be required to undergo a paper judging and regional rounds, before the semi-final held at the Tate Modern on 29 April 2009 where just three sommeliers will qualify for the final on the same day.
Last year’s winner, Gearoid Devaney of Tom Aikens’ eponymous restaurant, praised the competition for highlighting the importance of the sommelier’s role in the industry. “This competition recognises our hard work and dedication and also shows what a great career it can be,” he said. “I am honoured to have been Sommelier of the Year and would urge anyone to enter. You can learn so much.”
The three finalists will need to prove their skills in a staged restaurant amongst complaints, strange requests and the requirement to manage staff. On top of this is the infamous Champagne pour, where sommeliers must correctly pour a magnum into 16 flutes without returning to any glasses.
The ACFWS has also announced a three-year sponsorship deal with Champagnes Piper-Heidsieck and Charles Heidsieck for the competition, which this year is tipped to be bigger than ever.
ACFWS Chief Executive Nick Scade, 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.”
Entries for the competition need to be submitted by 5 December, either by downloading an entry form from www.acfws.org, or by calling the academy on 020 8661 4646.