New Zealand Winegrowers has opened applications for the 2019 Sommit Scholarship for Sommeliers from the UK, Ireland and mainland Europe. First launched in 2015 with Sommeliers Australia, the scholarship is now a global initiative with the European sommeliers joining scholars from Australia, Asia, Canada, New Zealand and the USA in 2018.

The New Zealand Wine Sommelier Scholarship provides passionate wine ambassadors the opportunity to take part in a memorable wine experience, discovering the regions, varieties, landscapes and personalities that make New Zealand wine unique.

Limited to just 20 sommelier attendees, the 2019 Sommit will be held in Hawke’s Bay on Friday 25th and Saturday 26th of January.

Hosted by Master of Wine Stephen Wong, the events are a celebration of the lesser known aspects of New Zealand wine, with particular emphasis on the facets that resonate with the sommelier community.  Joining Stephen this year as a host, will be a former alumni of the Sommit, Master Sommelier Ronan Sayburn.

“The Sommit programme is a unique experience for sommeliers from around the world to explore the world of New Zealand wine first hand, but also to meet and network with fellow sommeliers and discover and share their highlights,” says Chris Stroud, New Zealand Winegrowers Marketing Manager – Europe.

“Our objective is that these sommeliers will become true ambassadors for New Zealand wine, sharing personal wine discoveries and insights from their trips with restaurant guests and the wider sommelier community.”