Thailand Sommelier Competition to take place on July 31

The "Thailand Sommelier of the Year 2009" will take place on Friday, July 31 at the Dusit Thani Bangkok, confirmed Joe Sriwarin, editor of Wine Today magazine and organiser of the event. The event aims to seek the best Thai sommelier from the local wine service professionals.

Candidates to the competition must be Thai nationals only - those who work in hotels or restaurants around the country. They have to first pass the questionnaires, tests and interviews in English and Thai. Then, they will go through a gruelling test of their knowledge of all aspects of wine including demonstrating their ability in food and wine pairing, decanting and wine service.

On July 31, the 20 finalists will compete in a competition which will be staged from 10am-4pm at the hotel's D'Sens restaurant. They will be judged by a panel of professional sommeliers. The winner and two runners-up will be announced later on the same day at a wine tasting and cocktail reception at the hotel's Napalai Ballroom from 6pm to midnight.

Over 100 wines will be available for tasting during the evening cocktail reception, accompanied by a lavish selection of imported gourmet food. Another highlight of the evening is the charity wine auction.

This year's event is sponsored by the Bordeaux Wine Council (CIVB), Thailand Sopexa, Wurttemberg Wine Region and Pommery Champagne, and is supported by the Dusit Thani Bangkok and more than 20 local wine distributors.

Entrance tickets to the event are priced at 1,500 baht and will be sold in advance only (not available at the door). For more information, please contact Wine Today magazine at 02-390-2551/3.