In the UK’s toughest sommelier competition, involving the greatest wine talent in London and Britain, Restaurant Gordon Ramsay’s sommelier Jan Konetzki reigns supreme.
In a tightly fought battle - that saw 12 of London and the UKs greatest wine palates fight from heat to heat - Konetzki made it to the finals against two other competitors from the innovative Restaurant Sat Bains with Rooms in Nottingham and the award winning Medlar Restaurant in London. He was awarded Moet UK Sommelier of the Year.
In front of an audience of invited guests and industry experts, the final three sommeliers were set rigorous tasks designed to test their wine and drink knowledge. Challenges were set to judge service skills, ability to manage staff and deal with customers under pressure. The finalists were asked to correct errors on wine lists, complete blind drinks tasting and achieve the perfect Champagne pour - where a magnum of Champagne was poured equally into 16 glasses, without returning to any of them.
“It’s very exciting and I’m delighted to have won,” commented Jan. “I really enjoyed the competition today, there was a real feeling of camaraderie amongst all the sommeliers. It was tough, but it was also fun.”
Restaurant Gordon Ramsay is the world famous chef’s three Michelin starred establishment in London where award-winning head chef Claire Smyth has been at the helm since 2002.
Managing Director of Gordon Ramsay Holdings, Stuart Gillies commented, “We are extremely proud of Jan. Restaurant Gordon Ramsay demands an exacting and precise wine skill. This coupled with Jan’s love and knowledge of wine is evident to us every day and it is great news that he has now been recognised by the industry and his peers.”
The competition was held at London’s International Wine Fair on Wednesday 23rd of May 2012 and organised by the Academy of Food and Wine Service.