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New Zealand Winegrowers extends Sommelier Scholarship to the UK and Ireland

Published:  07 June, 2016

New Zealand Winegrowers is offering three sommeliers from the UK and Ireland the chance to take part in an invite-only sommelier scholarship event in New Zealand.

New Zealand Winegrowers is offering three sommeliers from the UK and Ireland the chance to take part in an invite-only sommelier scholarship event in New Zealand.

For the first time, sommeliers from the UK and Ireland are being invited to take part in the kiwi event where they will join a group of international sommeliers.

The one-day Sommelier Summit or 'Sommit' event will be hosted by local sommeliers Cameron Douglas MS and Stephen Wong MW.

Douglas and Wong will lead tastings and discussions on current trends, as well as presenting some examples of New Zealand wine that have limited availability.

Scholarship recipients will also be invited to attend Pinot Noir NZ 2017 and other key events on the New Zealand wine calendar.

To apply for the scholarship, sommeliers must attend one of three exclusive masterclasses hosted by Master Sommelier Ronan Sayburn in Edinburgh on June 27, London on June 28, and Dublin on June 29, which are open to working sommeliers in the UK and Ireland only.

"The scholarship event was first run in 2015, in association with Sommeliers Australia. It was a roaring success and we are delighted to be able to extend it further afield, to sommeliers working in the UK and Ireland," said Chris Stroud, New Zealand Winegrowers Marketing Manager for Europe.

Vineyard in New ZealandVineyard in New Zealand

"This is a fantastic opportunity for top sommeliers to immerse themselves in the New Zealand wine scene and gain a deeper understanding and knowledge of the diverse range of premium wines produced here."

New Zealand wine exports reached a new record high of $1.54 billion for the 2015 year, up 14% on 2014 according to New Zealand Winegrowers.

New Zealand wine is exported to more than 90 countries, and is New Zealand's 6th largest export good.

The three scholarships awarded will include international and domestic flights, accommodation, meals, transfers, event registrations and all event inclusions.

Candidates are expected to have a strong passion for the wine industry and a thirst for knowledge of New Zealand wine.

A selection committee will review all applications, and successful applicants being notified by end of July 2016.

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