Gérard Basset MS MW is looking for two new sommeliers for his hotel in the New Forest.

The two current sommeliers, Laurent Richet and Laura Rhys, are both leaving Hotel TerraVina in the coming months after working with Basset for three and four years, respectively. Basset, named Industry Legend at the recent Imbibe Personality of the Year Awards, is known in the industry for his role as a mentor to sommeliers. Both Richet and Rhys became Master Sommeliers last year, for example.

'I am looking for one or two ambitious up-and-coming sommeliers who are perhaps in a position of number two at the moment but who are almost ready for their first position of number one,' says Basset. 'I am looking for someone who wants to learn and develop, and who sees financial reward for later once he/she has achieved a high level of expertise.'

In addition to selecting the majority of the wines on the list, the successful applicant will also learn about spirits and cocktails. All courses and exams are paid for by TerraVina.

In addition, Basset is willing to reward anyone recommending the right candidate. The prize? An overnight stay at the hotel for two, including breakfast and dinner, with wines chosen by Basset, of course.

News item from Imbibe.com, 14-03-2011