THE HEAD sommelier at a Newbury hotel has been named Champagne Taittinger UK Sommelier of the Year 2019.

Romain Bourger, who works at the luxury The Vineyard, in Stockcross, beat two head sommeliers from London – Gareth Ferreira from Core by Clare Smyth in Notting Hill, and Alan Bednarski from Texture in Marylebone – into second and third place respectively in a challenging final at The Savoy.

The annual competition and top accolade in UK wine service is organised by The Caterer.

Commenting on his win, Mr Bourger said: “I’ve competed six times so patience is a virtue. I had a great time on stage.

“I stressed quite a bit but just kept it inside. I thought I was consistent throughout the day and am delighted to have come out on top.”

Having come through regional heats in April, 15 sommeliers from across Britain began the finals day at The Savoy.

After a series of live contests designed to test their knowledge and abilities, the three remaining finalists completed final tasks under high pressure in front of a live audience.

As part of the live element of the competition, the finalists were required to identify errors on a wine list, undergo blind taste tests of wines and spirits, serve at a bar and in a restaurant scenario, and finally to pour a magnum of Champagne Taittinger – headline sponsor of the competition – into 19 glasses.

Mr Bourger received a Jeroboam of Champagne Taittinger Prestige Rosé – signed by the family – and will also attend the finalist’s trip to Taittinger in the autumn.

Kevin McKee, UK director, Family Taittinger, said: “The fast-paced race to the finish line has been intense and exciting – it’s clear that each finalist is at the top of their game.

“There has to be a winner and Bourger held his cool under pressure to take the title.

“Next we look forward to welcoming all 15 finalists to Champagne Taittinger later this year to toast their individual triumphs.”

Now in its 40th year, the Champagne Taittinger UK Sommelier of the Year is recognised by the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI).

It is run in partnership with the Academy of Food & Wine Service.