Moët launches annual sommelier of the year competition

By Arabella Mileham

Published: 07 April, 2015

Moët has launched its annual Moët Sommelier of the Year competition.

The event, which is organised by the Academy of Food & Wine Services (AFWS) and in its 36^th year, is open to professional sommeliers and waiting staff working in the UK. It is the fourth year Moët has been a sponsor of the event. Candidates are judged not only on their wine and drink expertise, but on their front of house skills and ability to deal efficiently and knowledgeably with customers.

After an initial paper-based round, successful candidates will compete at regional heats on 11 May, which are being held in Edinburgh, Manchester, London, Bristol and Brighton. Two sommeliers will be chosen from each heat to compete in the finals in London on 8^th June. The national finalists will have the opportunity to visit the Moët & Chandon House and vineyards to learn more about the champagne region.

Moët's Marketing director Elsa Corbineau said the company was thrilled to be working with the AFWS to raise the profile of sommellerie throughout the hospitality industry. "Educating sommeliers - and rewarding them for their hard work - is something that we are dedicated to at Moët & Chandon," she said.

1914 Moet Chandon

Chief judge Gerard Basset, OBE, MW, MS described the competition as "the competition" for sommeliers. "Standards are improving all the time as restaurants put more emphasis on wines and their sommeliers are expected to know far more than ever before," he said. "This competition tests all areas of sommellerie and the vast knowledge they must possess. Its winners go on to become role models for young people in the food and beverage industry."

Candidates can enter the competition at www.sommelieroftheyear.co.uk before 11 March.

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