Paris, France. November 4th, 2021 – The Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI, asi.info) - The Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI) is pleased to announce the Best Sommelier of Europe & Africa is set to begin in less than 2 weeks in Limassol, Cyprus. The contest, one of three continental competitions hosted by ASI, will challenge the best sommeliers of Europe and Africa in a multi-day test of knowledge and skills. The winner of the contest will automatically qualify, as one of three continental contest winners, for the ASI Best Sommelier of the World contest to be held in Paris, France in 2023. ASI Vice-President Europe Piotr Kamecki says “the ability of our association to undertake a major event such as this during a pandemic speaks to the collaborative nature of ASI. Our host country, Cyprus, its sommelier association, our member country associations in Europe and Africa, along with our volunteer board and committee members have rallied together to put together an exciting program which will showcase the talents of our competitors, the gastronomy of Cyprus and the quality of our institutional and event partners.” The sentiments are shared by Michèle Chantôme who says “as ASI Ambassador and ASI Vice-President of Africa & the Middle East, I am pleased to see the cooperation of our two continents in this contest. It’s great to see the quality of African sommeliers now competing on a world stage like this. It is only the second time that candidates from African associations have been invited to participate in this continental competition. Hopefully, one day, when sommellerie is more developed in our area, a competition will be dedicated for Africa & Middle East"
In addition to the competitive elements, several masterclasses hosted by renowned sommeliers, winemakers and educators provide competitors with a fully rounded experience. ASI President William Wouters says “ASI is committed to providing top level educational experiences at all our events including our continental and world contests. This is exemplified by our great lineup of speakers for this event.” Masterclasses will be conducted by amongst others Luis Cerdera (Quinta Soalheiro), Raimonds Tomsons (on behalf of Japanese Saké and Shoshu makers Association), Michael Moosbrugger (Österreichische Traditionsweingüter – ÖTW), Elaine Chukan Brown (Discover California Wines), Julia Scavo (Romanian Wines of the “Iconic Estates” – Alexandrion Group) and local experts speaking about the Cyprus wine industry.
On welcoming the candidates to Cyprus, event organizer and Cyprus Sommelier Association President Georgios Kassianos says, “as an association and as a country we look forward to sharing Cyprus’ wealth of gastronomic and vinous delights and our legendary hospitality to the competitors, the judges, the press, the ASI delegates and the others joining us at this contest.”
The Candidates:
The contest press conference along with the announcements of semi-finalists, finalists, the final competition will be hosted live via the Association de la Sommellerie’s Facebook page.
Key Dates and Times:
Tuesday, November 16 - Quarterfinal Round
07:30 – 16:30 CET – Quarterfinal Round
8:30 CET – Press Conference / Live VIA ASI Facebook Page
19:00 CET – Announcement of Semi-Finalists / Live Via ASI Facebook Page
Wednesday, November 17 – Semi-final Round
08:00 – 13:00 CET – Semi-final Round
Friday, November 19 – Final Round
14:00 CET – Announcement of Finalists / Live Via ASI Facebook Page
14:00-18:00 – Finals / Live Via ASI Facebook Page
To learn more about the ASI Best Sommelier of Europe & Africa contest visit: www.asi.info/contests
To request access to our internal press room: Internal press section – ASI – Association de la Sommellerie Internationale
For up to date developments about the contest, follow the associations various social media platforms including Facebook and #asisomms
For more information or to arrange an interview contact:
Barbara Wanner
Mark DeWolf, Content Manager
About ASI
The Association de la Sommellerie Internationale, a non-profit making organization, was founded in Reims (France) on the 3 – 4 June 1969, and has the following aims:
-To bring together the national sommelier associations (just one member association per country) and to promote their founding where they do not yet exist
-To co-ordinate actions aimed at developing and advancing the profession by various means (training courses, etc.)