Press release

Following a series of national heats, the international awards welcomes six finalists, who will soon convene in the capital of China. These finalists have been officially confirmed as the following: Kai Wen Lu, Taipei Marriott Hotel Sommelier and Beverage Assistant Manager, representing the Region of Greater China; Mikaël Grou from France, Assistant Chef Sommelier at Alain Ducasse, The Dorchester in London; Joakim Hansi Blackadder, Managing Partner of Somm Hospitality Enterprises from South Africa; Emma Ziemann, Sommelier and Head Waitress of Thörnströms Kök, representing Sweden; Davide Dellago, Head Sommelier of Wunderbrunnen Restaurant, from Switzerland; and Zareh Mesrobyan, Head Sommelier of two Michelin star restaurant Andrew Fairlie, representing the UK.

Marking the brand’s third biennial international Sommelier Awards, Gaggenau demonstrates its unrivalled affinity for the education and development of the many facets of culinary culture. Initially inspired by presenting a platform for rising young stars within the sommelier landscape, this year’s awards takes form as both a celebration of hidden talent, complemented further by a passionate interest in the progress and recognition of China’s emerging sommelier culture.

The finalists will be observed by a globally recognised judging panel including Annemarie Foidl, the President of the Austrian Sommelier Association and judge of ‘Best Sommelier in the World’ for the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI); Sarah Abbott, Master of Wine, internationally recognised wine consultant, judge, writer, and speaker; Mr Yang Lu, the world’s first and only Chinese Master Sommelier, Corporate Director of Wine for Shangri-La Group, and founder of Grapea & Co Institute and last but not least; Sven Schnee, Head of Global Brand Gaggenau.

Sven Schnee, Head of Global Brand Gaggenau commented: “We will bring together six incredibly talented young sommeliers who have already established themselves within their respective countries. Their zeal and prominent capabilties have been further confirmed throughout the first stage of the competition, whereby we received a plethora of positive feedback from their local judging panel and sommelier experts.

“In light of this, we are delighted to have been offered such an incredible opportunity to host our awards in Beijing. This unique experience will see Gaggenau’s devotion to culinary culture materialise as contributee to the future of Chinese viniculture, and close association with this spectacular heritage in wine making.”

The international Gaggenau Sommelier awards 2018, will take place over two days whereby each guest including judges, finalists, press and VIPs will enjoy a day of cultural activities – showcasing the very best of what Beijing has to offer including a tour of the Forbidden City and a visit to the National Grand Theatre. The second day will focus on the competition and culminates with an illustrious gala dinner at Beijing’s architectural treasure, the Red Brick Art Museum. Guests will enjoy a six course menu, beautifully crafted by the esteemed Michelin starred chef, André Chiang.

Notes to editors

Gaggenau is a manufacturer of high-quality home appliances and acknowledged as an innovation leader in design and technology “Made in Germany”. The company, with a history dating back to 1683, has revolutionised the domestic kitchen with its internationally acclaimed products. Gaggenau’s success is founded on technological innovation and a clear design language combined with high functionality. Gaggenau has been a subsidiary of BSH Hausgeräte GmbH in Munich since 1995 and is currently represented in more than 50 countries with 22 flagship showrooms in major cities around the world.

The difference is Gaggenau.

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