AFWS opens entries to 2013 UK Sommelier of the Year competition

By Peter Ruddick

07-Jan-2013 - Last updated on 07-Jan-2013 at 13:10 GMT

Related tags: Moët uk sommelier, Restaurant

The Academy of Food and Wine Service (AFWS) has officially launched the hunt for the Moët UK Sommelier of the Year 2013

The Academy of Food and Wine Service (AFWS) has officially launched its annual hunt for the best sommelier or wine waiter in the country as it looks to crown the Moët UK Sommelier of the Year 2013.

Now in its 34th year, the keenly-fought contest is open to wine waiters working in all sectors of the hospitality industry including high street restaurants, pubs and hotels, as well as fine-dining eateries.

"The competition has really broadened in appeal over the past few years," said AFWS executive director John Croft. "We hope this year will see entries from a wide range of establishments. Taking part is a fantastic opportunity to learn more about wine and wine service as well as the chance to network with other industry professionals," he added.

Interested sommeliers are required to fill in a form from the AFWS before completing questionnaire with the top-scoring candidates competing in regional finals before the semi-final and final later this year.

The winner, who will receive a champagne trip to France, will follow in the footsteps of German-born Jan Konetzki from Restaurant Gordon Ramsay who scooped the 2012 title at last year's London International Wine Fair held at the ExCel centre in May.