Entries open for the Taittinger UK Sommelier of the Year 2023

The search is on for the Taittinger UK Sommelier of the Year 2023, as entries open for the awards that recognise the finest talent in wine service.

The competition, which is open to professional sommeliers and waiting staff working in the UK, is organised by The Caterer and recognised by the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale.

The Taittinger UK Sommelier of the Year award is widely regarded as the premier accolade in UK wine service. Past winners number some of the industry's leading lights when it comes to wine knowledge, including the late Gerard Basset, Ronan Sayburn and Xavier Rousset.

Candidates are judged on their wine and drink expertise as well as their ability to deal efficiently and knowledgeably with customers by demonstrating exemplary front of house skills.

In 2022 Vincenzo Arnese (pictured), now working as wine director for the new Raffles London at the OWO, took the title having impressed the judges with his knowledge and serene performance on stage at the live final.

Entries are paper-based before the heats in London on 2 May. The closing date for entries is 5 April.

The 12 successful candidates from the heats will be invited to Taittinger in Reims, France, in June, where they will learn about the Champagne house and attend a workshop where they will gain knowledge and skills that will aid their progress in the competition.

Family Taittinger UK director Kevin McKee said: "Champagne Taittinger is thrilled to continue its headline sponsorship of the UK Sommelier of the Year competition, which sets the standard for the UK industry in terms of wine service.

"At Taittinger we're passionate about supporting the development of young professionals both in the kitchen with our international cooking competition ‘Le Taittinger', and front of house through the highly respected UK Sommelier of the Year, which promotes exacting and high standards of service among sommeliers.

"We wish all applicants the best of luck for 2023 and the Taittinger family look forward to hosting the 12 finalists in Champagne in June as part of the competition."

How to enter

To enter the UK Sommelier of the Year, visit uksommelieroftheyear.com and answer in no more than 200 words why you are a sommelier, what your greatest wine experience has been to date and what winning would mean to you. Entries close on 5 April 2023.

Those that are successful will be invited to the heats in London on 2 May 2023.