AFWS launches search for 2013 Sommelier of the Year
The Academy of Food & Wine Service (AFWS) has launched its search for the Moët UK Sommelier of the Year 2013.
The organisation is inviting entries from across the hospitality industry including high street restaurants, pubs and hotels, as well as fine dining establishment.
"The competition has really broadened in appeal over the past few years," commented AFWS executive director John Croft. "The tasks not only test wine expertise, but competitors' service skills, personality and general drinks knowledge too.
"We hope this year will see entries from a wide range of establishments. Taking part is a fantastic opportunity to learn more about wine and wine service as well as the chance to network with other industry professionals."
Now in its 34th year, the competition seeks to find the best wine waiter or sommelier based on wine and drink expertise, ability to deal with customers, and front of house service skills.
The judging panel will be chaired by current world champion sommelier Gerard Basset, OBE, MW, MS and proprietor of Hotel TerraVina in Hampshire.
The UK Sommelier of the Year competition consists of three rounds including a paper judging followed by regional finals. The top scoring sommeliers will then compete in the final, which will take place at London's Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park on 28 May.
Sommeliers can enter the competition by downloading an entry form from www.sommelieroftheyear.co.uk or by calling the Sarah Peters on 0845 600 1488 or 0203 397 or emailing on sarah@afws.co.uk. The closing date for entries is 23 March.
The closing date is 15 February.
By Janie Manzoori-Stamford
E-mail your comments to Janie Manzoori-Stamford here. If you have something to say on this story or anything else join the debate at Table Talk - Caterer's new networking forum. Go to www.catererandhotelkeeper.com/tabletalk
Catererandhotelkeeper.com jobs
Looking for a new job? Find your next job here with Catererandhotelkeeper.com jobs