UK Sommelier Challenge
VINTAGE PORT YEARS
WE ARE LOOKING FOR THE VERY BEST SOMMELIERS TO HELP LEAD THE TAYLOR'S VINTAGE PORT MOVEMENT.
TAYLOR'S VINTAGE PORT IS ONE OF THE WORLD'S GREAT ICONIC WINES.
Renowned for their massive structure and aromatic power, tempered by a characteristic understatement and restraint, Taylor’s Vintage Port is a wine like no other. Discover the archetypal Port house, whose wines embody the quintessential essence of Port.
We are looking for the very best sommeliers to help lead the Taylor's Vintage Port movement.
The Taylor’s Port Vintage Years | UK Sommelier Challenge will be hosted and judged by David Guimaraens – Technical Director and Head Winemaker, The Fladgate Partnership / Taylor’s Port.
The challenge will commence with a Vintage Port Seminar and Port Tong Masterclass. Following this, competitors will then blind taste their way through six different Vintage Ports from six different decades.
Competitors will be asked to submit a set list of criteria including tasting notes, suggesting drinking windows and detail on which dishes they see each wine sitting against on their restaurant menu. Following the event, participants will have one week to refine their answers prior to submission. David Guimaraens will judge the winners based on the accuracy of their tasting notes, suggested drinking windows and the quality of their pairing suggestions.
All winning entries will be displayed on the Taylor’s Port website and remain available after the event for anyone to access the tasting notes and pairings for their own information and education, whether they be other sommeliers looking for inspiration or those wondering how best to enjoy a treasured bottle.
The Taylor’s Port Vintage Years | UK Sommelier Challenge winner will receive a two-night trip to Porto for two people staying at The Yeatman Hotel, including meals and a private tasting with David Guimaraens as well as a selection of Taylor’s Vintage Port. The runner up and those competitors who are placed third, fourth and fifth, will also receive prizes.
Applications for Taylors Port Vintage Year’s | UK Sommelier Challenge are now open and will close on 30th June 2025.
