Eric Zwiebel named director of wine at the Samling

Eric Zwiebel, who was crowned Sommelier of the Year in 2004 and won the Wine and Spirit Ambassador Catey in 2021, has been appointed as director of wine at the Samling in Windermere.

Zwiebel was born in Alsace and began his career in the industry as a waiter at his parents' restaurant.

He developed his passion for wine under Serge Buds, who was named Best Sommelier of the World in 1989, and Gerard Basset.

In 2001, Zwiebel received his Master Sommelier qualification. Since then, he has gone onto achieve global titles in numerous sommelier competitions. He is now vice president of the UK Sommeliers Association.

He managed the wine cellars of Hotel du Vin, Cliveden House in Maidenhead and Summer Lodge in Dorset before joining the Samling, which was included in the AA's Notable Wine List Award 2022.

Zwiebel said: "I am delighted to be joining The Samling, who have one of the finest wine cellars in England. I look forward to helping to grow their collection, and to introducing our guests to some truly wonderful wines."

Oliver Smith, general manager of the Samling, added: "By bringing together one of the world's best sommeliers and one of the most impressive wine collections we are confident that The Samling will cement its reputation as the finest hotel in the UK for a truly exceptional wine experience. We welcome Eric and look forward to working with him."