Top sommeliers sought for 2014 Bollinger wine service award

Entries for the first round of the 2014 Bollinger Exceptional Wine Service Award are now open and aspiring sommeliers are urged to enter now, as entries close on 31 May 2014.
Top sommeliers sought for 2014 Bollinger wine service award

Sponsored by Riedel Glassware and Bollinger, the annual competition aims at enhancing and recognising the calibre of local sommeliers and wine service staff.

Ginette de Fleuriot, marketing manager at Vinimark The Wine Company (importer of Champagne Bollinger) and organiser of the award anticipates more entries this year. "We look forward to an increased number of entrants and to wider representation from all of South Africa's premier tourist regions.

"This industry-wide initiative was established to advance the interests of all of the country's fine wine producers, as well as those who make their living from the sale of wine in hotels, restaurants and wine bars. The sponsors and organisers trust that this competition will continue to act as a catalyst for the hospitality industry to expand training facilities and support local sommeliers and sommeliers-in-training, in the interests of all those who enjoy dining out."

The winner of the competition will be announced in October 2014 and awarded the Riedel Glass Trophy and a trip to France, including a visit to the House of Champagne Bollinger.

Competition criteria

  • Those currently employed in the service of food and wine and with a minimum of three years of such service
  • Contestants are required to have substantial knowledge of the local wine scene and of the professional service of both food and wine
  • An adequate knowledge of international wine appellations and styles of wine
  • Ability of those selling wine to relate what is produced in South Africa to the expectations of international visitors more familiar with the major wine producing regions of the world.

For more information, go to www.wineserviceaward.co.za.

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