In the storied Napoleon Cellar of Berry Bros. & Rudd, Taylor’s Port hosted the inaugural Vintage Years | UK Sommelier Challenge, bringing together a select gathering of the nation’s most accomplished sommeliers.
Organised as a closed invitation event, the challenge ran from 12:30 pm to 4 pm and was expertly overseen by David Guimaraens, Technical Director and Head Winemaker at Taylor’s Port.
The afternoon began with an engaging seminar on Vintage Port, featuring a practical masterclass in the traditional Port Tong method. Sommeliers then faced the central blind-tasting challenge: six Vintage Ports representing six distinct decades. Participants were tasked with crafting tasting notes, accurately identifying the vintage years with justification, and proposing harmonious dish pairings suitable for their own restaurant menus.
Following the event, competitors have one week to refine their submissions ahead of final review - emphasising precision in tasting notes, recommended drinking windows, and culinary pairings. Judging will be conducted by David Guimaraens himself, with the winners due to be announced on 15 September.
The top entry will receive an exceptional two-night journey to Porto for two, including a stay at The Yeatman Hotel, a private tasting with David Guimaraens, and a curated selection of Taylor’s Vintage Ports. Runners-up will also receive notable prizes.
All winning entries - complete with tasting notes and food pairings - will be displayed on Taylor’s Port official website. These will serve as a lasting educational resource for sommeliers seeking inspiration and for wine enthusiasts wishing to elevate their enjoyment of a fine Port.
