Finalists of Bollinger wine service award

The semi-finals took place on 5 August 2013 at Morgenhof Wine Estate in Stellenbosch. The six semi-finalists were judged by Neil Grant, Sommelier and co-owner of Burrata Restaurant and Chairperson of the South African Sommelier Association, Higgo Jacobs, Sommelier and Consultant, and Ginette de Fleuriot (CWM), Vinimark Marketing Manager.

The contestants were tasked with assessing and identifying two wines (unsighted) and providing a detailed food pairing suggestion with sound justification for each wine. They were then assessed on their ability to select a matching wine for a prescribed dish and to decant and serve it in the correct manner. Whilst doing so, they were challenged with questions and were expected to observe table etiquette and were also judged on appropriate patron interaction and service.

On Wednesday 9 October, the three finalists will meet at Ellerman House in Bantry Bay to challenge each other for the Riedel Glass Trophy, and a trip to the House of Champagne Bollinger in France, including airfare and accommodation. The prize for the runner-up is a one night stay for two, including bed and breakfast at the luxury boutique hotel Ellerman House, which overlooks the Atlantic Ocean in Bantry Bay.

The finals will be a testing day of written exams, blind tastings and a practical assessment. They will be judged on a wide spectrum of wine and food service and will be tested on any number of the following:

• wine styles and terminology
  
• wine label information
  
• wine regulations and regions of origin
  
• major international wine regions and their wines
  
• identifying wines in a blind tasting
  
• service techniques
  
• food and wine pairing
  
• wine storage
  
• social skills and ability to interact with the patron

The winner of The Bollinger Exceptional Wine Service Award 2013 will be announced at an exclusive Champagne event at Ellerman House on 31 October 2013.

For further details, visit the official website: www.wineserviceaward.co.za