LIWF to host UK Sommelier of the Year final

The Academy of Food and Wine Service has joined forces with the London International Wine Fair (LIWF) 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.

Now in its 33^rd year, the UK Sommelier of the Year is the benchmark competition for the industry with past winners including Master Sommeliers Matthew Wilkin, Gearoid Devaney and Xavier Rousset among 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 LIWF.

Academy of Food and Wine Service executive director Sophie Roberts Brown said: “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.”

James Murray, LIWF exhibition director, added: “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 on Wednesday 23 May and places will be available by invitation only.

For UK Sommelier of the Year sponsorship details call Sophie Roberts Brown at the Academy on +44 (0)208 661 4647. Full details will be posted on www.londonwinefair.com