Entries open for the Taittinger 2022 Sommelier of the Year
The hunt is on for the Taittinger UK Sommelier of the Year 2022, as entries open for the awards that will once again recognise the very finest talent in wine service.
Organised by The Caterer and recognised by the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale, the competition is open to professional sommeliers and waiting staff working in the UK.
The Taittinger UK Sommelier of the Year award is widely regarded as the premier accolade in UK wine service. Past winners number some of the industry's leading lights when it comes to wine knowledge, including the late Gerard Basset, Ronan Sayburn and Xavier Rousset.
Candidates are judged on their wine and drink expertise as well as their ability to deal efficiently and knowledgeably with customers by demonstrating exemplary front of house skills.
In 2019 the Vineyard at Stockcross head sommelier Romain Bourger (pictured) took the title on his sixth attempt at the competition, impressing the judges with his calm and knowledgeable performance on stage at the live final.
Entries are paper-based, before nationwide regional heats in Manchester, Bristol and London on 25 April. The closing date for entries is 23 March.
The 12 successful candidates from the regional finals will be invited to Taittinger in Reims, France, in June, where they will learn about the Champagne house and attend a workshop where they will gain knowledge and skills that will aid their progress in the competition.
Family Taittinger UK director Kevin McKee said: "Champagne Taittinger is thrilled to continue its headline sponsorship of the UK Sommelier of the Year competition for the third year. This competition sets the standard for the UK industry in terms of wine service. With all the challenges hospitality has faced over the last two years we are delighted to be able to bring this back for the sommelier community.
"At Taittinger we're passionate about supporting the development of young professionals both in the kitchen with our international cooking competition ‘Le Taittinger', and front of house through the highly respected UK Sommelier of the Year which promotes exacting and high standards of service among sommeliers.
"We wish all applicants the best of luck for 2022 and the Taittinger family look forward to hosting the 12 finalists in Champagne in June as part of the competition."
How to enter
To enter the UK Sommelier of the Year, visit uksommelieroftheyear.com and answer in no more than 200 words why you are a sommelier, what your greatest wine experience has been to date and what winning would mean to you. This needs to be accompanied by a CV. Entries close on 23 March 2022.
Those that are successful will be invited to regional heats taking place in Manchester, Bristol and London on 25 April 2022.
