NZ Winegrowers names 2017 scholars

New Zealand Winegrowers has announced the three UK and Ireland-based sommeliers chosen to take part in its 2017 Sommit scholarship programme.

Julie Dupouy of The Greenhouse Restaurant in Dublin, James Payne of Sandeman’s Restaurant at Fonab Castle Hotel in Scotland and Melody Wong of Dinner by Heston Blumenthal in London will take part in the 2017 Sommit programme.

Each sommelier will take part in one of two ‘Sommits’ in New Zealand in January next year.

New Zealand-based Master Sommelier Cameron Douglas and Master of Wine Stephen Wong will host the Sommits, which will be targeted solely at the interests of sommeliers, and include a deep dive into some little known, interesting aspects of New Zealand wine.

“Following the inaugural Sommit in 2016, New Zealand Winegrowers extended the scholarship to sommeliers working in the UK and Ireland”, said Chris Stroud, New Zealand Winegrower’s marketing manager for Europe.

“We had a huge number of high quality applicants, but the three selected stood out as being extremely passionate, and eager to immerse themselves in the world of New Zealand wine. We are confident that Julie, James and Melody will be strong, influential and enthusiastic ambassadors for New Zealand wine in the UK and Ireland.”

The first Sommit will be held on Waiheke Island, known as the ‘Island of wine’, situated in Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf. Attendees will then travel to the Aromatics Symposium in Nelson, before crossing the Cook Strait to Pinot Noir NZ 2017 in Wellington, which will showcase top New Zealand Pinot Noir.

The second Sommit will take place in Wairarapa, following Pinot 2017, and is preceded by a Classic Reds Symposium, held in Hawke’s Bay, featuring Syrah, Cabernets and Merlot. The Symposium will include a full day Classic Reds Masterclass, showcasing the best examples of these varieties, following specific themes.