Crowdfund launched to publish Gerard Basset's memoirs
Basset, who died of cancer on 16 January, was regarded as one of the greatest wine professionals of his generation, and was the only person ever to simultaneously hold the Master of Wine, Master Sommelier and MBA Wine honours.
He began writing his memoirs in 2017, after he had to give up work commitments to focus on his medical treatment.
The finished book, titled Tasting Victory – The Life & Wines of the World's Favourite Sommelier, charts his business success, how he co-founded and sold the Hotel du Vin chain, and the gruelling training regime that saw him crowned World’s Best Sommelier in 2010.
The memoir has been picked up by crowdfunded publisher Unbound, which is looking to raise £14,000 to cover the costs of publication.
Any excess raised above the target will go towards the book, and to help Basset’s widow Nina and son Romané.
Journalist and wine critic Jancis Robinson says: “I’m so pleased that he has written down the full story of his journey, from being pretty much a school drop-out and not finding his way…then finding the one thing that he absolutely loved. He’s been an example to us all and the book explains how.”
To view the crowdfunding page, click here.
