Registration is now open for The Ruinart Challenge UK 2017. The competition, hosted by Ruinart’s chef de cave Frédéric Panaïotis, Gerard Basset MW OBE and Ronan Sayburn MS, will see one sommelier win a four-day educational trip to Champagne in July.
Previously known as Ateliers Ruinart, the Challenge is an international training and mentoring programme that supports sommelier education. A total of 20 successful applicants will attend a seminar to explore the technical aspects of champagne production, before taking part in a tasting competition.
The winner of the competition will receive an all-expenses paid trip, hosted by Panaïotis, which offers an opportunity to fully experience the Champagne region – visiting both Grandes Marques and small growers. Last year’s UK winner was Gareth Ferreira of 67 Pall Mall. ‘The main objective of the four days in Champagne was education and this was Frédéric’s priority, making sure no question was unanswered and no detail missed,’ he said.
The Challenge takes place on 30 May and the deadline for applications is 28 April. To enter visit http://www.moethennessy-selection.co.uk/en-GB/ruinartchallenge/.