SPONSORED CONTENT
Responding to an unprecedented 700 sommelier positions currently unoccupied in the UK, ZONIN 1821 is delighted to announce their new partnership with the UK Sommelier Association. This collaboration reinforces ZONIN 1821’s commitment to promoting wine expertise among the new generation of UK sommeliers, providing training and support for their advanced learning.
As a leading and historic producer of exceptional wines from top Italian and international wineries, ZONIN 1821 aligns with the UKSA’s vision around shaping London’s sommeliers of tomorrow. As part of their sponsorship of the acclaimed 5-month UKSA professional sommelier certification course 2023/24, ZONIN 1821 will showcase a selection of their premium wines from 11 wineries across their extensive portfolio.
Simon Thomas, Managing Director UK at ZONIN 1821, said: "We're thrilled to provide wines from our exceptional Italian and international portfolio to help prepare the next generation of top sommeliers in partnership with the UKSA. Supporting education and expertise in fine wine service aligns perfectly with ZONIN1821's values."
Undergraduates enrolled in the UKSA professional sommelier certification course will have access to a selection of ZONIN 1821's award-winning Italian wines, carefully curated by Andrea Rinaldi -UKSA President and produced by Ca’ Bolani, Castello Di Albola, Rocca Di Montemassi, Oltrenero, Principi di Butera, Masseria Altemura and as well as new world wines from Barboursville (Virginia -US) and Dos Almas (Colchagua and Casablanca -Chile).
Additionally, students will have the opportunity to taste wines from other esteemed brands distributed by ZONIN 1821in the UK on behalf of Italian wine producers Damilano (Barolo) and Abbazia Monte Oliveto, as well as wines from the South African winery DuToitskloof. With highlights including Super Tuscans, Metodo Classico and New World Wines the breadth of ZONIN 1821’s impressive range will provide the ideal student case studies for their successful training.
With demand for sommeliers in London and the UK at an all-time high, the UKSA and ZONIN 1821 believe this course is an effective means of providing the required training to fill a growing number of fine dining sommelier positions, each requiring a highly specialised set of skills.
Federica Zanghirella UKSA Vice President said: "We are thrilled to embark on this exciting partnership with ZONIN1821. With our deep appreciation for the exceptional quality of their wines, we are eagerly anticipating the journey of introducing a selection of their extraordinary range to our students, the future connoisseurs of fine wines and sommeliers."
The UKSA, which has certified over 1,000 sommeliers since its formation in 2005, ensures that its professional sommelier certification course syllabus covers a breadth of subjects as far ranging as vineyard practices, viticulture to wine tasting, sensory analysis, wines of the world, service to food and wine pairing. The course culminates in a written and oral exam at the end of the 5-month period. Past alumnae have gone on to secure sommelier positions in some of London’s most prestigious restaurants, including Gordon Ramsay, The Ritz, the Savoy, The Dorchester and Hakkasan.