Family of Gerard Basset launches wine education foundation

The family of Gerard Basset is marking the second anniversary of the sommelier’s death with the formation of a new charity to continue his legacy.

The Gerard Basset Wine Education Charitable Foundation will fund learning and career opportunities for young professionals with a focus on diversity and inclusion. Its trustees include Gerard’s widow Nina Basset, their son Romané, journalist Jancis Robinson, WSET chief executive Ian Harris, and the financier Lewis Chester, who was a close friend and his partner in Liquid Icons.

Basset was well-known during his life for mentoring young people seeking careers in the wine and hospitality industry and the foundation will continue this commitment, providing travel bursaries, scholarships and mentorship schemes.

Two new scholarships are planned for this year that will seek to identify talented young professionals from minority or disadvantaged backgrounds. Further details will be revealed in March 2021.

Nina Basset said: “Gerard was a passionate advocate for helping young people and those he mentored have gone on to enjoy rich and successful careers. Romané and I are delighted to announce the formation of this new charity which, thanks to the support of its trustees, will continue Gerard’s legacy for many years to come.”

The undisputed king of sommeliers passed away in 2019 at the age of 61 after receiving a terminal cancer diagnosis. He was a Master of Wine, co-founder of the Hotel du Vin chain and former World's Best Sommelier.