The world’s best wine waiter was crowned in Japan on Friday, at the
culmination of a three-day competition attracting entrants from around the
globe.
Paolo Basso, from Switzerland, was hoisted into the air as judges in Tokyo
awarded him first place in a ceremony in front of several thousand spectators
that was carried live on Japanese national television.
Basso, who works at Conca Balla in Vacallo in Switzerland, beat off
competition from fellow finalists Belgian Aristide Spies and Canadian Véronique
Rivest.
The 47-year-old takes the title previously held by Gerard Basset, who won
the 2010 competition in Chile competing for Britain.
Entrants from 54 countries had been tested over three days of events
designed to measure their skills marrying wines to foods and serving demanding
customers.
Contestants from Australia, Brazil, Indonesia and Sweden were among those
participating in the event, which has been held 14 times since it started in
1969.
“A good sommelier not only has to have good knowledge of wine, but he also
needs to be able to put customers at ease and know what to do to let them enjoy
the food,” explained Serge Dubs, chairman of the jury and a former champion.
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