Moët opens entries for 2017 UK Sommelier Of The Year

Moët & Chandon, together with the Academy of Food & Wine Service (AFWS), are now accepting entries to the 2017 Moët UK Sommelier Of The Year Competition, now in its 38th year.

Last year’s winner Terry Kandylis with Master Sommelier Gerard Basset OBE MS MW

The competition is open to professional sommeliers and waiting staff in the UK, with the winner set to be announced at the Grand Final in London in July in front of an audience made up of key figures in the UK hospitality industry, including past winners Terry Kandylis (2016), Tanguy Martin (2015), Gerard Basset, Ronan Sayburn and Jan Konetzki.

Candidates, who can enter at sommelieroftheyear.co.uk, will be judged on their wine expertise as well as their ability to deal efficiently and knowledgeably with customers. An initial written entry and employer endorsement leads to regional heats around the country in April, with two sommeliers from each heat progressing to the finals day at a central London venue in July.

National finalists will be invited to visit the Moët & Chandon House and vineyards to learn more about the Champagne region and Moët & Chandon wines.

The competition’s chief judge is Gerard Basset, OBE, MW, MS, and 2010 World Champion Sommelier. He said: “This is the competition for all sommeliers in the country. 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.

“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.”

Closing date for entries is 13 March 2017.