At the Leonardo Royal Hotel in London on May 30, Villa Sandi was the proud sponsor and presenter of the “Best UK Sommelier — Villa Sandi Award,” a competition organized in the UK by the Sommelier Association (UKSA).
“This is an extremely important competition” for the wine world, says Villa Sandi Global Export Director Flavio Geretto, who was on hand for the competition together with Diva Moretti Polegato, the daughter of Villa Sandi owner Giancarlo Moretti Polegato, and Stefano Gava, the winemaker at Villa Sandi. “We have been sponsoring it for the last six years as an opportunity to promote wine culture throughout the world.”
Candidates had to undergo a written test and then a blind tasting. Of the three finalists, Chris Parker (above, center), Head of Wine at the Inn the Park Winchester and General Manager of Wilding Restaurant, emerged the winner and the recipient of a £1,000 prize, a trophy, a UKSA-branded tastevin, and a trip to the Villa Sandi winery and to Venice sponsored by the winery.
“The Best UK Sommelier — Villa Sandi Award prize represents the culmination of a commitment that has embraced a series of world-wide programs,” wrote journalist Emanuele Fiorio for the popular trade-focused Italian wine magazine, Wine Meridian. These events “help sommeliers by giving them greater experience and knowledge when it comes to Italian wines in restaurants around the world.”
Congratulations to Chris! Well done and well deserved. And congratulations also to all the candidates who took part.