The Chaîne des Rôtisseurs: Search begins for best young sommelier

Entries are open to young sommeliers aged between 21 and 30 and entrants must be nominated by their Chaîne des Rôtisseurs affiliated employer by 22 January 2016.

This year’s competition will see Britain compete to retain its International Young Sommelier title, following Adelaide by Medlar’s Mathias Camilleri’s victory last year.

Candidates are assessed by the Competition Committee at regional level which will see the most impressive entrants put through to compete at the National Final at The Lancaster London Hotel on 1 March.

Finalists will be tested on their working knowledge of wines and spirits through the means of theory tests, blind taste tests and a service test. The top three competitors will be invited to an awards at The Dorchester on 18 March where Britain’s representative for the International Finals, taking place in Istanbul, Turkey, in September, will be announced.

Philip Evins, Bailli Délégué for The Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, said: “As an organisation we are committed to nurturing and supporting young talent that keeps our industry fresh and innovative.  It is this commitment that safeguards not only the future of the hospitality sector but also ensures Britain remains a force to be reckoned with on a global stage.

“The Young Sommelier Competition is an important part of this, and recent successes at international level are proof that Britain’s rising hospitality stars need only a helping hand and a platform to demonstrate passion, skill and knowledge well beyond their years.”