CHINESE SOMMELIER COMPETITION SEEKS TO ADVANCE THE LEVEL OF WINE PROFESSIONALS ON THE INTERNATIONAL STAGE

In July 2009, China will see the launch of the first China National Sommelier Competition that will no doubt raise the standards and recognition of local wine professionals via an international platform. This event will be judged by international and local experts, based on regulations governed by the rules and constitutions of the ASSOCIATION DE LA SOMMELLERIE INTERNATIONALE (ASI), and The Finalist will represent China to compete with international peers at the 1st ASI Contest of the Best Sommelier of Asia-Oceania, Japan 2009. This competition will bring awareness and prestige to wine professionals in China and also provide a benchmark for the local industry. This comes at a timely period as China's rising food and beverage standards have been creating more discerning tastebuds from savvy consumers – and whilst chefs have been getting the main limelight, the wine professionals are being largely neglected.

With the coming of the Sommelier Competition, which hopes to draw participants from various cities to the competitions in Beijing and Shanghai, things are set to change. Event organiser and Professor of the Wine Programme at the Tianjin University of Commerce, Mr. Tommy Lam observes that "there is an increasing demand for wine professionals here. I notice that Chinese people are drinking wine more often, especially in Chinese restaurants, but many do not know much about wines and wine pairing, so there is a gap here that needs to be filled. The China National Sommelier Competition will give people in the F&B industry a chance to improve their own skills and knowledge, whilst the good ones will realise how they stack up against international professionals."

In line with the objective of advancing the wine education here, Mr. Lam also set up the Junior Sommelier Competition for under-25s, so that novice practitioners in the industry can also participate. Organisers hope to attract not only sommeliers, but also bartenders and others working with wine and beverages, and employers that want to affirm or improve their staffs' expertise. Along with that, sponsors like Torres China, will sponsor trips to wineries in France, Spain, Australia, New Zealand, USA, etc as invaluable learning experiences for all the finalists (every finalist will be awarded a trip to these world class wine regions).

With Asia Business Group, which is experienced in wine events and promotions, as its organising partner, this competition promises to be the landmark event for professionals in the wine industry.

The deadline for applications is 3rd June 2009, whilst the final round of selection is slated for 7th July 2009, and finalists will then be trained in English and professional skills before their final presentation for the international competition in November.