20 November 2007
ST. PETERSBURG SOMMELIER, 2007 at the Grand Hotel Emerald.

“St. Petersburg Sommelier” has been hold in St. Petersburg since 2002 and has already got its special importance and fame. The competition is arranged twice a year: in spring it is arranged as an open competition, in autumn it is aimed at choosing candidates for All-Russia Sommelier Competition.

The WINNERS of the latest “St. Petersburg Sommelier, 2007”: 1st prize was won by VESELKOV Roman (it’s his third reward); 2nd prize was won by Chashchinov Nicolay; 3rd prize was won by Gridasova Polina.

This event was arranged by St. Petersburg Association of Sommeliers and the journal “Empire of Taste”. As a rule the best sommeliers of North-West and other regions of Russia take part in this prestigious project.

Among the members of Jury there were a number of great specialists in the branch of Restaurant and Wine business, representatives of mass media, well-known sommeliers. Igor Sharbatov, President of St. Petersburg Sommelier Association, Director of Wine School “Sommelier” headed the Jury.

The latest event was held in 3 phases: elimination trials, semi-final, final. According to the professional opinion of the Jury only the best professional competitors were able to take part in final: Veselkov R., Chashchinov N., Gridasova P.

The points of final required professional knowledge and skills of competitors in: serving Champagne, commenting on the best qualities of wine in Russian and English, serving a Cigar and giving recommendations what kind of wine or strong alcoholic drink it goes with.

At the end of the event after rewarding the winners the guests and participants were treated with marvelous dinner from Chef of the Grand Hotel Emerald Malyshev Vassily.