LIWF to host UK Sommelier of the Year

The Academy of Food and Wine Service has joined forces with the London International Wine Fair in a move which will see the exhibition play host to the finals of the annual UK Sommelier of the Year competition, for the first time, on Wednesday, 23rd May.

Now in its 33rd year, the UK Sommelier of the Year is the benchmark competition for the industry with past winners including luminaries Matthew Wilkin, Gearoid Devaney and Xavier Rousset amongst others. The competition requires entrants to test their product knowledge, as well as demonstrate their ability to serve correctly; this will be put to the test in a mock up restaurant scenario at the Fair.

“Holding the UK Sommelier of the Year competition at the London International Wine Fair is an exciting move for the Academy, putting the competition in the heart of what is one of the most important dates in the wine trade calendar. The competition has a high profile in the hospitality industry, but holding the final at LIWF will raise its profile amongst wine professionals and producers,” commented Academy of Food and Wine Service executive director Sophie Roberts Brown.

Exhibition director, James Murray said: “We are delighted to welcome a competition of this calibre to the LIWF as part of our 2012 on-trade initiatives. The event is set to attract many of the top sommeliers from around the country and we expect it to generate plenty of excitement and anticipation in the run up to this year’s Fair.”

The finals of the competition will take place in the Waterfront Rooms and places will be available by invitation only. For UK Sommelier of the Year sponsorship details please call Sophie Roberts Brown at the Academy on 0208 661 4647. Full details will be posted on www.londonwinefair.com