Our friends at NZ Sommeliers & Wine Professionals (NZSWP) have generously extended an invitation for two Sommeliers Australia ‘Professional’ members to take part in their NZ Best Sommelier of the Year 2024 competition on Sunday 28 July in Auckland, plus a 2-day immersion experience in Central Otago.
The offer has been made with a view that anyone taking part has the opportunity to challenge themselves whilst developing their service and communication skills under competition conditions, as well as getting the chance to visit the world-renowned wine region of Central Otago, with thanks to Central Otago Winegrowers.
In exchange, the two selected Sommeliers Australia candidates are asked to fully prep themselves for the competition, and on return from their NZ travels are asked to collaborate on and host an in-depth NZ wine focussed tasting, developed in conjunction with Sommeliers Australia Committee members.
The basic details
- Arrive in Auckland on Saturday 27 July, depart 30 July (earliest).
- NZSWP will cover 2 nights accommodation in Auckland, plus costs related to the competition and the Awards Dinner.
- Candidates will compete in the competition on 28 July, and attend the Awards event afterwards.
- Central Otago Winegrowers will cover the cost of the 2-day immersion visit to Central Otago.
- Candidates are asked to pay for their flights to New Zealand and incidental expenses, and of course prepare for the competition!
The competition will cover:
- Tasting and assessment of two wines
- Theory questions on New Zealand and International wines
- Service practical tasks:
- Decanting and service of a red wine under cork, including answering questions
- Food and wine pairing
- Spirits blind tasting
Please note:
Only NZSWP sommeliers will be awarded the title of Best Sommelier of New Zealand.
Those representing Sommeliers Australia will have to be current members at the time of the competition.
Expressions of interest close Tuesday 2 July
The two candidate places are being offered on a “first in gets the spot” basis. If you are interested in taking part as one of the Australian candidates and have been a Sommeliers Australia ‘Professional’ member for more that 1 year, please email [email protected] with your expression of interest and current CV before 4pm, Tuesday 2 July.
Successful candidates will be contacted by Friday 5 July.
Get in quick! Time is now of the essence.
