Gerard Basset MW

Perhaps the most significant contribution that Gerard Basset has made to wine in the UK on-trade is the number of up and coming sommeliers that count him as an influence in their careers.

The list includes figures such as Ronan Sayburn (formerly of Gordon Ramsay Group), Xavier Rousset of Texture, La Trompette’s Mathieu Longuere, and Summer Lodge’s Eric Zwiebel, all of which have won the UK Sommelier of the Year competition. Those who have benefited from his enthusiasm and expertise describe him as a “true professional and an ambassador to the industry” and an “outstanding mentor and tutor”.

After his position at Chewton Glen as chef sommelier, Basset co-founded Hotel du Vin in 1994, a group that has had significant success, and was sold last year to Malmaison. Since this sale, Basset has turned his attention to a new project: TerraVina. This new boutique offering, located in the New Forest, has a focus on food and wine, as one would expect. For example, it offers wine dinners once a week, with special room prices for attendees. Basset has set up this hotel with his wife Nina.

There is no question about the influence Basset has had on the trade, in terms of education, innovation, and in making wine more accessible to consumers in the UK on-trade. For this, judges felt that it was important to recognise his ongoing contribution to the industry.

Click to see the award presentation at this years ceremony