“Wine service has a poor history in South Africa and only with incentives such as these will we see an improvement within the industry,” says Neil Grant, chairperson of the South African Sommelier Association (SASA). “Chefs in South Africa over the past 10 years have proven how good they are and now wine stewards/sommeliers need to be part of this movement so we can challenge the international markets.”
Entries are now being accepted for the 2013 competition. The winner will be announced in November and will win a trip to France that includes a trip to the prestigious House of Champagne Bollinger.
“The sponsors and organisers trust that this competition will continue to act as a catalyst for the hospitality industry to expand training facilities and support local sommeliers and sommeliers-in-training, in the interests of all those who enjoy dining out,” says Ginette de Fleuriot, marketing manager at Vinimark The Wine Company and organiser of the Bollinger Exceptional Wine Service Award.
Competition entry criteria:
- Only those currently employed in the service of food and wine, and with a history of a minimum of three years of such service, may enter.
- Must have substantial knowledge of the local wine scene and of the professional service of both food and wine.
- A knowledge of international wine appellations and styles of wine is another prerequisite.
- The contest also examines the ability of those selling wine in the hospitality industry to relate what’s produced in SA to the expectations of international visitors more familiar with the major wine producing regions of the world.
Competition deadlines:
- First Round: Registration forms and the completed question paper to be submitted no later than 31 May 2013.
- Second Round: Will take place in August 2013 at venues to be announced.
- Final Round: Finalists will compete in Cape Town in October 2013 at a venue to be announced.
- Announcement of competition winner: November 2013.
To enter:
Go to www.wineserviceaward.co.za
For more information contact:
- Ginette de Fleuriot at 021 886 9165, or [email protected].
- Michael Crossley at 011 482 9178, or [email protected].
