Gerard Basset wins World’s Best Sommelier competition

The UK’s most famous sommelier and founder of Hotel du Vin, Gerard Basset MS MW, was awarded the title of World’s Best Sommelier last week.

Basset beat a total of 53 sommeliers on his way to victory, including Paolo Basso of Switzerland, who took second place, and David Biraud of France.

This is the fourth time Basset has competed in the finals, which this year took place in Chile.

Basset said on the Wines of Chile website: “I’ve been preparing six hours a day for the last year and a half. But it’s not just me. My wife and co-workers and my whole team have been helping me prepare for this!” In fact, upon accepting his award, he asked that his wife and young son join him on stage. “The real winner here today is my wife,” he added.

Brian Julyan, chief executive of the Court of Master Sommeliers and one of the competition judges, praised Gerard’s skills, saying: “He was brilliant in the final, winning in every section on my scoring. The judges took very little time in declaring the winner, Gerard gave a brilliant performance.”

However, even the best sommelier in the world is not immune to the forces of nature, with volcanic ash currently hindering Basset’s victory parade back to the UK.

Hopes are high that he will still be able to take his turn to judge later this week as he assumes his role as president of the jury at the Grand Final of the Champagne Jacquart Rising Stars Trophy 2010 in London.

The results can be found in a special drinks business supplement with the July issue.

Jane Parkinson, 16.04.10