SOMMELIER SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS ANNOUNCED

New Zealand Winegrowers has announced the names of two New Zealand-based sommeliers selected to participate in the 2018 New Zealand Winegrowers International Sommelier Scholarship.

It’s the first time New Zealanders will take part in the scholarship programme, which allows recipients the opportunity to engage with and learn from leaders within the international wine fraternity.

The successful New Zealand sommeliers are:

Matthew Bocock - Wholesale Boot Company Restaurant, Wellington

 

Anna Krykunivsky - Imperium Group (Eichardt's Private Hotel, The Grille & The Spire Hotel), Queenstown

Bodock and Krykunivsky, along with scholarship recipients from overseas, will attend a Sommit™ event, limited to just 20 sommeliers. The 2018 Sommits™ will be held in Nelson and Central Otago.

Hosted by locals, Master Sommelier Cameron Douglas and Master of Wine Stephen Wong, the events are a celebration of the lesser known aspects of New Zealand wine, with emphasis on the facets that resonate with the sommelier community.

“We’re delighted to include two extraordinary New Zealand sommeliers in this year’s programme. Not only will they benefit tremendously from the experience themselves, but they will also provide a valuable New Zealand voice for our international sommelier attendees,” said Chris Yorke, global marketing director, New Zealand Winegrowers.

The New Zealand Winegrowers Sommelier Scholarship was first launched in 2015 for Australian sommeliers. It is now a global initiative, with the New Zealand sommeliers joining scholars from Asia, Australia, Canada, Europe and the USA.