Members and guests from around the world were welcomed to Vaduz for this event given that concurrent with it was the 2016 International Final of the Jeunes Sommeliers Competition.

The comprehensive programme put together by Bailli Délégué Daniel Jäggi with Chancelier Strit Jäggi and their team ensured that the beauty of the Principality of Liechtenstein together with its heritage, especially for wine production, could be fully appreciated.

The Bailliage was delighted that Her Serene Highness Princess Marie von und zu Liechtenstein had agreed to be Patron for the two large-scale events that were the Grand Chapitre and the Jeunes Sommeliers Final. She participated fully in the programme during which the Bailliage had the honour to induct her as a Chevalier d’Honneur.

Having been put through their paces in the first stage of the competition on the Thursday, the young sommeliers provided the first entertainment in the Grand Chapitre programme by participating in a race through the streets of Vaduz. The race was scheduled to take place “no matter what the weather” however, thankfully for competitors and spectators alike, glorious late afternoon summer sunshine prevailed!

The “Welcome Dinner” took place at the Parkhotel Sonnenhof. The menu comprised marinated sea bass, rosette of lobster and king prawns, medallions of summer roe deer, with a dessert of peach champagne soup.

On the Friday, whilst the young sommeliers continued competing, participants in the Grand Chapitre could visit the Liechtenstein Alps or take an historical tour.

The “Alps” tour started with a panoramic journey to Malbun and then a chairlift ride to Sareis, 2000 metres above sea level. Whisking back down the mountain next on the schedule was a falconry display which saw the birds of prey putting on a great show. It was an unforgettable experience in the heart of the mountains. Maître Rôtisseur Jürgen Gassner served a light lunch at the Restaurant Edelweiss in Triesenberg.

In the afternoon, the conclusion of the Jeunes Sommeliers Competition - to place the 1-2-3 - was open to the public. A reassuringly sizeable audience enthusiastically followed the three finalists through the various elements. However, for those who wished to absorb more of the culture of Vaduz a tour had been organised.

The Jeunes Sommeliers Awards Ceremony and Reception was held in Vaduz Town Hall. Afterwards there was a choice of dining. The celebratory “Sommeliers Awards” dinner was in the Princely Estates “Restaurant Torkel”, whilst a “Soirée Dinner” was held at the Parkhotel Sonnenhof. Dombes quail and Black Angus beef were two of the notable courses at the Awards dinner. Tournedos Rossini with roast goose liver highlighted the Soirée menu.

Saturday offered a morning excursion to the spectacular Tamina Gorge or a wine tasting in cooperation with Riedel glasses in Vaduz Town Hall.

In the evening the Induction Ceremony in Vaduz Town Hall was presided over by Klaus Tritschler, Member of the Conseil d’Administration from Germany. The Grand Gala Evening in the Vaduzer-Saal included not only an outstanding five course dinner (with a main course of five variations of veal) but also show acts and dancing!

Marie Jones
International Vice President

Photos courtesy of …
© Paul Trummer – www.travel-lightart.com
&
© Dr Joachim Leonhardt – www.leonhardtart.com