Gerard Basset named World's Best Sommelier
Fans of fine wine seeking advice on the greatest Haut Brion may wish to ask Gerard Basset, owner of Hampshire's Hotel TerraVina, who was recently named the world's greatest sommelier.
The Association de la Sommellerie Internationale's competition, which was held last week in Chile, named Mr Basset as its champion after a series of rigorous tests - including written exams, blind tasting and service role plays.
Although Mr Basset is French-born, he has lived in England for 27 years and was the UK's entry in the competition this year.
In 1989, he qualified as a Master Sommelier and was named Best Sommelier of Europe in 1998.
"I am absolutely delighted and completely overwhelmed to have won," he commented.
"It's been a long hard road with many, many hours of training for the competition – but to be crowned the world champion is beyond words."
While the Master Sommelier Diploma was introduced more than 40 years ago, just 171 people worldwide had achieved the title of Master Sommelier by 2009.