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AFWS calls for entries to Sommelier of the Year competition

Published:  23 February, 2012

The Academy of Food and Wine Service (AFWS) is seeking entries to its 2012 UK Sommelier of the Year competition.

Now in its 33rd year previous winners include: Yohann Jousselin of the Vineyard at Stockcross (2011), Christopher Delalonde of Sarment Wines (2010) and Laura Rhys from Hotel TerraVina (2009).

This year's judging panel includes three past winners - Matthieu Longuère MS of La Trompette (2000), Ronan Sayburn MS of Hotel du Vin (1998) and sommelier and hotelier Gerard Basset OBE, MW, MS (1992).

The competition seeks to find the best sommeliers by judging their wine and drink expertise as well as ability to deal efficiently and knowledgeably with customers by demonstrating exemplary front of house skills.

Winners of the regional finals will then go forward to the final, being held on May 23, at the London International Wine Fair (LIWF) at ExCel London.

Academy executive director, Sophie Roberts Brown, says: "We are very excited about this year's competition and hope to receive a record number of entries from sommeliers with great wine and drink knowledge as well as good service skills.

"Holding the final at ExCel during the LIWF, puts the competition at the heart of one of the wine trade's most important events."

Entry forms - sommelieroftheyear.co.uk or afws.co.uk.