ITS Graduate to Represent Malta  for 9th Ruinart  Sommelier of Europe 2004 Trophy challenge

During the weekend of 5 – 6 June 2004 , thirty four of Europe ’s finest sommeliers will meet at Ruinart in Reims to compete in the bi-annual ninth Ruinart Sommelier of Europe 2004 Trophy challenge. This competition will be hosted at Ruinart, one of the world’s oldest champagne houses since 1729,  by Roland de Calonne and his team, in close collaboration with Mr. Giuseppe Vaccarini, President of the International Association of Sommeliers and the National Association of Sommeliers.

It will be the third time Malta has sent a representative to compete in this illustrious competition. Mr. Richard Pons was the first to take part in the competition in 1998.  Richard is an Assistant Lecturer  at  the Institute of Tourism Studies .  Mr. Harish Milani took part in 2002  and this year’s candidate is  Mr. Silvio Tonna, who completed a 4 year Food and Beverage Diploma Course, at Institute Of Tourism Studies . 

Silvio, is a new committee member of the Sommelier of Malta Association.

Will be accompanied by Mr Richard Pons, president of the Sommelier Of Malta Association, during the Trophée Ruinart competition in Reimes , France a general assembly will be convened of A.S.I. members to discuss the rules and regulations for the forthcoming World Sommelier Competition to be held in Greece in October 2004.

The aim of this association is to improve and elevate the standard of knowledge and  the image of the profession of the Sommelier. The standard of service to the consumer. and enhance the knowledge relating to food and beverage through dedicated training seminars and wine tasting.

It is envisaged International guests from other Sommeliers Associations will be invited to Malta , to conduct training sessions providing an insight into the stringent disciplines required to become a prominent sommelier, sufficiently qualified to compete with the best sommeliers of Europe and of the world.