Few hours before the announcement of the finalists of the ASI Contest Best Sommelier of Europe, Africa and Middle East 2024 live the pressure of the exams through the official questionnaire test.
Allwinestories wishes Eleftherios Haniallidis, the Greek semi-finalist, the best results.
For those wishing to test their skills, there is a copy of the questionnaire from the semi-final
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Gm1i6TH8qQUIRC0dLWQeRuHGgvn9RbaE/view?usp=sharing
The Final Competition:
The competition will culminate in the finals on Friday, November 15, 2024, held at the National Theatre, Belgrade.
The broadcast will be streamed live on YouTube.
Pertinent details about the contest:
The ASI Contest Best Sommelier of Europe, Africa & Middle East, has brought together 41 top sommeliers to this vibrant and historic city. Besides the contestants, we have had almost 200 supporters following this past week’s educational programme and activities.
ASI, the non-profit global governing body of sommellerie, in partnership with the Serbian Sommelier Association (SERSA) has put on a five-day long program filled with activities, with many elements being held at the Hyatt Regency Belgrade. The contest to date has been a showcase not only of the talent of the candidates seeking to win the title of ASI Best Sommelier Europe, Africa & Middle East, but has also been an opportunity for cultural exchanges, and a chance to celebrate the sommelier profession.
The week kicked off with a warm Serbian welcome, including a Wine & Gastronomy Welcome Salon where delegates, candidates, and guests savoured local wines and cuisine, celebrating Belgrade's rich culinary heritage. Throughout the week, competitors and attendees participated in various masterclasses, exploring topics like, Japanese Sake with Michael Tremblay presented by the Japan Sake and Sochu Makers Association (JSS), and The Fine Wines of Vinho Verde DOC hosted by acclaimed wine writer Sarah Ahmed, Water & Wine presented by Perlage’s Tadeusz Kwacz, who spoke of the complementary nature of the two beverages. Attendees were also treated to some local flavour in the form of a seminar on Serbian Rakia: titled Legacy and Future with expert Dr. Ivan Urošević.
Also throughout the week, the candidates, judges, ASI board and committee members, visiting ASI member association presidents, ASI partner representatives and other special guests have been treated to a range of activities including city tours and dining events. These events have exposed the attendees to not only Serbian food, wine, and Rakia, but also to the warm hospitality of their Serbian hosts.
On Tuesday, candidates undertook the rigorous quarterfinal round, where their technical skills, knowledge of wine and other beverages, and service excellence were put to the test. With support from ASI and SERSA, this event highlighted not only the technical prowess but also the dedication of each sommelier to the craft. Following the quarterfinals, an exclusive masterclass on Serbian wine treasures, led by Tomislav Ivanović, celebrated Serbia’s native grape varieties, which are experiencing renewed international recognition.
Future contests:
The ASI Contest Best Sommelier of Europe, Africa & Middle East 2024 precedes the ASI Contest Best Sommelier of the Americas 2025 (Sonoma, California, February 17-20, 2025), the ASI Contest Best Sommelier of Asia & Pacific 2025 (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, September 7-11, 2025), and the ASI Contest Best Sommelier of the World 2026 (Lisbon, Portugal).
