Champagne Taittinger is proud to announce its new partnership as Headline Sponsor of the UK Sommelier of the Year competition, widely regarded as the top accolade in the UK wine service industry. Organised by The Caterer, the competition is open to professional sommeliers and waiting staff working in the UK.
Entries for the Taittinger UK Sommelier of the Year 2018 competition close on 12 March 2018. Entries are paper based, followed by four nationwide regional heats in Manchester, Bristol and two in London on 4 April. Winners from the heats will progress to the finals day, which is held in front of a live audience at the Savoy in London on 16 July.
Candidates are judged on their wine expertise as well as their ability to deal efficiently and knowledgeably with customers by demonstrating exemplary front of house skills.
All finalists will win a trip to Taittinger’s UNESCO World Heritage status cellars in Reims, while the final six will be given a year’s complimentary membership to the Wine Guild of the UK and will be invited to attend its Annual Winter Banquet at the Vintners Hall.
“The Taittinger UK Sommelier of the Year competition is the premier event in the UK wine service industry, with an impressive alumni of former winners, including Mathias Camilleri form Five Fields in 2017 and Terry Kandylis from 67 Pall Mall in 2016,” said Chris Gamm, editor of The Caterer.
“We are delighted to be partnering with Champagne Taittinger for the first time to help educate and identify the top talent among UK sommeliers.”
Kevin McKee, UK Director – Family Taittinger said: “Champagne Taittinger is delighted to be supporting the best talent in the wine service industry as headline sponsor of the UK Sommelier of the Year competition.”
“At Taittinger, we’re passionate about supporting the development of young professionals and promoting high standards of service amongst sommeliers, and wish all applicants the best of luck for 2018. We look forward to seeing who will be awarded this year’s prestigious award.”
Details for entry can be found on www.uksommelieroftheyear.com and all entries should be submitted by the 12 March deadline to be in with a chance of winning this prestigious award in 2018.
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