Christelle Guibert named winner of the Gerard Basset award 2021

Christelle Guibert has been named the winner of the Gerard Basset award 2021 for outstanding contribution to the wine industry.

The chief executive of fine wines and spirits at Conversion Group was recognised for her dedication and passion for promoting the sommelier's craft.

Guibert will be formally handed her trophy at a celebratory lunch organised by Gerard Basset's wife, Nina Basset.

The award was established as a lasting tribute to Gerard Basset, who died in January 2019. It is usually presented at the Taittinger UK Sommelier of the Year competition, to which Basset was so closely linked as former winner and head judge. The competition is to return in 2022.

Nina Basset said: "Christelle is a most worthy winner and I am personally delighted as she was a great friend of Gerard's, providing him with much support over many years. She has demonstrated outstanding commitment, passion and enthusiasm for sommellerie and she continues to be a great supporter of the wine trade in general through a most accomplished career."

Guibert said: "It's a real honour to receive this award. I'm quite emotional about it as Gerard will always have a special place in my heart. He was a great mentor and a real hero. To receive an award with his name attached is very precious."

Prior to joining the Conversion Group as wine director, Guibert ran the Decanter tastings department, where she worked closely with Gerard Basset.

She is now chief executive fine wines and spirits at the Conversion Group and is responsible for overseeing the IWSC (International Wine and Spirit Competition) and wine lifestyle magazine Club Oenologique.