Christopher Delalonde named UK's Sommelier of the Year
Shortly after Gerard Basset was named the world's best sommelier at a competition in Chile, the UK's Sommelier of the Year has been announced after a final in London.
Christopher Delalonde will now be the man to ask for the perfect Palmer or the consummate Conterno, following the Academy of Food and Wine's competition on Wednesday (April 28th).
The contest consisted of a series of regional heats which brought to the fore 15 semi-finalists, including Sarment Wines employee Mr Delalonde.
The 36-year-old was last year's runner-up and this year prepared for six months before the competition, which involved written exams and pouring 16 perfect flutes of Champagne.
"It has been six months of hard work but I'm delighted to have won, particularly given the high standard of this year's competition," he commented.
Head sommelier at The Vineyard at Stockcross Yohann Jousselin took this year's runner-up position, followed by Clement Robert of the Summer Lodge Country House Hotel in Evershot.