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Jeunes Sommeliers Competition

Collonges-au-Mont-d'Or, November 12, 2021

What is the role of the sommelier?
" based on a speech given by Head Judge Stefan Neumann during the Awards Presentation "

[Ed. This article is based on a speech given by Head Judge Stefan Neumann during the Awards Presentation for the International Jeunes Sommeliers Competition at the “Abbaye de Collonges - Paul Bocuse” at Collonges-au-Mont-d'Or on Friday, November 12, 2021]

It is now more important ever, but what makes me say that?

Is it fair to say we all indulged at a certain stage during the lockdown, cooked our favourite dishes, bought our favourite wines and experimented either on the stove or in the wine cellar?

Buying this natural wine sounded like such a good idea at first? Yeah, at first.

Now returning to restaurants and hotels we are starting to see and experience great service again. Yes, I can ask the sommelier for advice. Yes, I can have a chat with the person in charge of the list (and not just click on the screen on my way through endless “super” special offers before I end up in the basket only to realise I need to spend a little more to qualify for free delivery. And yes, there is great natural wine out there and guess what - your Sommelier of trust knows them.

Now, good Sommeliers (and thank goodness we have brilliant ones here tonight) have to spend a great deal of time perfecting their craft and not only they might not get it right all the time but they then try harder than ever before. And you know why? Because they love seeing you in their place and share their knowledge, wisdom and again have a conversation in person rather than over Zoom.

The role of the Sommelier is something which keeps on evolving and you as a kind guest can be a part of it and contribute to their success.

The popular music group Abba used to sing “The winner takes it all”. I disagree, a great Sommelier and an open-minded guest is a win-win combination.

So as the world reopens in a new form or shape the role of the Sommelier is not only needed but also needs your support.

Cheers!

Stefan Neumann MS
Master Sommelier member of the Chaîne

Photography by Mary Erhardy (maryerhardy.com)

Lisbon, October 16-20, 2024

International Final 2024

International Final - Ljubljana (Slovenia), September 15-16, 2023

Slovenia did us proud!

International Final - Ljubljana (Slovenia), September 15-16, 2023

Profiles of the fourteen who participated

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