Hey Fellow Sippers!
Hopefully you know that although craft beer is my beverage of choice, I have no problem showing love to other libations including wine! Check out this competition for aspiring wine sommeliers that commences on Wednesday, April 24. Tickets are available here for tableside service for a four-course tasting and wine pairing at Del Frisco’s Grille.
Cheers!
Ale
WINE LOVERS WANTED: CHEER ON TASTE OF ATLANTA SOMMELIERS
Festival Hosts Second Annual Best Sommelier Competition
Like a fine wine, the Taste of Atlanta Best Sommelier Competition gets better with age. Now back for its second year, this sommelier showdown invites viniculture experts to raise their glasses and put their skills to the test. After completing the preliminary rounds, eligible participants will vie for the distinguished title of Atlanta’s best sommelier at the final competition, hosted by Del Frisco’s Grille.
Gil Kulers, certified wine educator, Atlanta Journal-Constitution contributing writer and wine consultant at Tower Beer, Wine & Spirits, will emcee the final competition, where competitors will showcase their talent for an impressive panel of judges including Master Sommelier Michael McNeil, Certified Wine Educator Eric Crane and Advanced Sommeliers Jason Amick, Marie Ballard and Eddie Valente. In addition to bragging rights as Atlanta’s best sommelier, the winning enology expert will receive an etched Riedel decanter and a trip to The Alexander Valley Cabernet Academy in Sonoma, Calif.
"Many casual diners might be surprised by the level of wine expertise in Atlanta restaurants and hotels,” said Kulers. “We have so many wine professionals on the verge of gaining some of the highest levels of certification in the world right here in Atlanta. This would place these talented men and women on footing not just with cities in the Southeast, but on a level easily comparable with New York and San Francisco.”
WHO: Wine lovers and oenophiles across Atlanta
From the connoisseur crowd to the competition-hungry fan, Taste of Atlanta’s Best Sommelier Competition offers something for everyone.
Qualified sommeliers, wine stewards and beverage managers
Eligible participants must have three years of experience in the beverage industry, with at least two years of experience in beverage service. All applicants will be reviewed by a panel of judges.
WHAT: Taste of Atlanta’s Second Annual Best Sommelier Competition
WHEN: Wednesday, April 24
A “Taste of the Residences” Champagne Toast & Pre-Party: 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Final Competition: 6:30 p.m.
Atlanta’s top sommeliers showcase their skills at the final competition in four sections: Food-Wine Pairing, Service Skills, Wine IQ and Wine Identification.
WHERE: Champagne Toast & Pre-Party
The Residences at Mandarin Oriental Atlanta
3376 Peachtree Rd NE
Atlanta, GA 30326
Final Competition
Del Frisco’s Grille
3375 Peachtree Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30326
TICKETS: $50 per ticket
Ticket includes tableside service and a four-course tasting and wine pairing presented by the city’s top sommeliers. Visit www.tasteofatlanta.com to purchase tickets.
For a 2013 Best Sommelier Competition application or for more information, visit www.tasteofatlanta.com.
