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 | Issue #22 - May 2020 |
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by Andrés Rosberg | | As I write these words, many parts of the world are beginning to re-emerge and re-open after their coronavirus lockdowns. Others are still battened down and waiting for the storm to pass. Many of us are likely to remember this difficult spring of 2020 for the challenges to health, livelihood and community that we have faced individually and collectively. But … |
| a virtual Santé,
Andrés
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ASI Gold Partners Panel Sessions Kicks Off on 18 May |
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| ASI’s partner program has proven a fantastic platform for bringing working sommeliers and prestigious producers together to share stories. With sommeliers around the world obliged to stay home, these chances to meet face to face are limited this year. The modern world has provided a good alternative. Two sets of ASI Gold Partner Panel Sessions will be held on May … |
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Toast with us on International Sommelier Day on June 3 |
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| International Sommelier Day originally started in Mexico back in 2013, but has since spread to sommelier communities around the world. The celebration will once again be held on June 3 this year. To mark the occasion, a series of 3 Zoom meetings will be held across the globe, starting in Asia and then moving on to Europe and finally the … |
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The news from the individual member countries is, as could be expected, a mix of sad and glad. Many countries such as Romania, Serbia and Sweden have been forced to cancel their competitions, which may delay their selection process in choosing a candidate to send to Cyprus in autumn.
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| Other nations have undertaken outstanding initiatives to educate, inspire and connect with their members as an entire industry tries to get its feet under it again. Many examples were mentioned in the April 2020 newsletter. Some prominent examples of this ‘same but different’ approach to community building that have joined the ranks this month include: |
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| Cyprus Explores Local Wine History ... online |
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| Cyprus, which has been hosting live webinars on the wines, grape varieties and wine regions of Cyprus. The sessions have been led by a rotating series of hosts, including Georgios Kassianos (president), Marcos Zambartas (winemaker), Sotiris Neophytidis (sommelier) and Andreas Kyprianou (Cyprus candidate for the “Best Sommelier of Europe and Africa 2020). More information at www.facebook.com/cyprussommeliersassociation/ |
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Downloads from Down Under |
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| The Australian sommelier association has posted a variety of fascinating and in-depth educational modules about Australian and Tasmanian winegrowing regions and grape varieties. The resources are available to any interested parties at www.wineaustralia.com/education. |
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Joining Forces Down Under |
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| In a beautiful collaboration, Sommeliers Australia have invited candidates from New Zealand to sit their theory exam on Monday 22 June. New Zealand will send two candidates to compete in the Australian National Sommelier competition in Australia in late 2020. |
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One-on-One Training in the Emerald Isle |
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| The Irish Guild of Sommeliers, with new president Julie Dupouy, has been offering one-on-one online training to members preparing for exams or competitions. In addition, introductions and profiles of many of their members, their businesses and places of work have been featured on the social media platforms Twitter and Facebook. |
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Canada Lands Nova Scotia on the Wine Map |
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| The Canada sommelier association, led by Mark DeWolf, has made a book on the wines of Nova Scotia available to any interested professionals. It can be downloaded HERE. CAPS Ontario is also offering a “Skills to Pay the Bills” Webinar series which will provide valuable learning opportunities to sommeliers while they live in the current COVID-19 reality. In addition, the … |
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Live Sunday Chats Spread Cheer(s) throughout Norway |
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| The Norway Sommelier Association Norsk Vinkelnerforening has been holding live Facebook chats every Sunday at 6pm local time. The chat includes sommelier interviews, as well as fun and educational quizzes and contests with a range of wine related prizes. Starting in mid-May, Henrik Dahl Jahnsen (4x Norwegian sommelier champion, competitor in both BSOW in Argentina 2016 and BSEA in Vienna … |
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Mexico Impresses with International Online Offerings |
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| Asociación de Sommeliers Mexicanos A.C have developed a cohesive program of talks, conferences and virtual classes on topics ranging from Wines in the History of Art to Tea & kombucha to upcoming class on the Wines of Alsace (21 May). Instruction comes from Mexican Academy of Sommeliers, as well as appearances from national importers and distributors. More details are available … |
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Mas de la Rosa, Torres captures the Soul of Priorat |
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| Torres embodies the eternal passion for wine. On the occasion of the second vintage of Mas de la Rosa, our iconic wine from Priorat, let us all toast a wine of true passion! ‘Mas de la Rosa DOC Priorat’ is more than just a couple of hectares planted with eighty-year-old vines. It was once home to a farmhouse of that … |
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Winemaking Innovation from Famille Perrin |
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| The Perrin Family is renowned for its innovative approach to winemaking. It pioneered organic viticulture as early as 1950 and biodynamic techniques were introduced at Château de Beaucastel in 1974. To produce a wine of character, the grapes must reveal the complexities of their aromas. The Perrin family has therefore always tried to position the vines in their own unique … |
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GRAHAM'S PORT turns 200 years old! |
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| This year sees Graham's Port celebrating its 200th anniversary. Due to the current circumstances, Graham’s has chosen to voluntarily postpone all its celebrations, events and product launches. Nevertheless, Graham’s is taking this opportunity to explore new ways to mark this significant year. Therefore, during the month of May, Graham’s Port will be hosting Instagram Live discussions with a wide variety … |
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2020-2021 VINEXPO ON TOUR |
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| In response to the unprecedented world health crisis, Vinexpo has crafted an entirely new series of events to help the wine world get back up and running: the 2020-2021 Vinexpo Tour. The new program reflects the needs of the market and its major players and will serve as the perfect re-entry platform for Vinexpo’s customers around the globe. The tour … |
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