LIWF to host UK Sommelier of the Year
The Academy of Food and Wine Service has joined forces with the
London International Wine Fair in a move which will see the
exhibition play host to the finals of the annual UK Sommelier of
the Year competition, for the first time, on Wednesday,
23rd May.
Now in its 33rd year, the UK Sommelier of the Year is
the benchmark competition for the industry with past winners
including luminaries Matthew Wilkin, Gearoid Devaney and Xavier
Rousset amongst others. The competition requires entrants to test
their product knowledge, as well as demonstrate their ability to
serve correctly; this will be put to the test in a mock up
restaurant scenario at the Fair.
"Holding the UK Sommelier of the Year competition at the London
International Wine Fair is an exciting move for the Academy,
putting the competition in the heart of what is one of the most
important dates in the wine trade calendar. The competition has a
high profile in the hospitality industry, but holding the final at
LIWF will raise its profile amongst wine professionals and
producers," commented Academy of Food and Wine Service executive
director Sophie Roberts Brown.
Exhibition director, James Murray said: "We are delighted to
welcome a competition of this calibre to the LIWF as part of our
2012 on-trade initiatives. The event is set to attract many
of the top sommeliers from around the country and we expect it to
generate plenty of excitement and anticipation in the run up to
this year's Fair."
The finals of the competition will take place in the Waterfront
Rooms and places will be available by invitation only. For UK
Sommelier of the Year sponsorship details please call Sophie
Roberts Brown at the Academy on 0208 661 4646. Full details will be
posted on www.londonwinefair.com
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