Young Sommelier Super Regional Competition

Young Sommelier Super
Regional Competition,
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

The Marina Inn at Grand Dunes was the site for our April 12, 2008, “Super Regional” Young Sommielier competition, bringing six competitors from the Southeast and South Central regions together for an exciting day of competitive activities. This competition would determine who would be going to Las Vegas in May for the USA Gold Medal finals.

Each candidate participated in a grueling, 8 hour testing, with three Master Sommieliers as judges; Matt Citriglia from Cleveland, Michael McNeal from Quality Wines in Atlanta and Virginia Philip from The Breakers in Palm Beach.

Competitors were; Elli Benchimol of “Michael Mina’s” in Miami, Cynthia Betancourt and Daniel Cobain, both of “The Mandarin Oriental” in Miami, Dimitar Dimitrov of “Artisans” at The Ritz Carleton in Naples, Inez Ribustello of “On The Square” in Greenville, NC, Clint Sloan of McCrady’s in Charleston and, our own candidate, Thomas Roberts, of “The Georgian Room at The Cloister”

The format featured three areas of examination; Theory, Practical (Service), and Blind Tasting. These details can be found at the following website - http://www.chaineus.org/sommelier_competition.

To make a long story short, Mrs. Ribustello won the Silver medal and will compete for the Gold at The Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas May 22-25. Our Thomas Roberts finished a very close second and took home the Bronze. Needless to say, we’re very proud of his performance so please congratulate him next time you’re at The Hotel. It’s a very big deal in Chaine/Societe Mondiale du Vin circles and rates right up there with The Georgian Rooms recent five Diamond award!

Saturday night we all gathered on the mezzanine for a “traditional” “Societe Mondiale Induction ceremony followed by a wonderful Caviar, Foie Gras and Champagne reception. Myrtle Beach Bailli, Tony Hirsh, was in charge of the ceremonies and put the whole event package together.

The Grand banquet and awards presentation was held in WaterScapes at The Marina Inn. A seven course dinner with five memorable wines, from Groth, Tablas Creek, Belle Glos, Girard and Far Niente Vineyards was outstanding.

The winning competitors were presented with their medals and ribbons by Mr. Dan Gulbronsen, Grand Echanson des Etats-Unis, and Dr. William Wortman, South Central Echanson Provincial.

Should any members have plans to be in Vegas during the Grand Masters finals, please stop by the Red Rock Resort. It will be an eye opening experience, one you’ll not soon forget.

Vive la Chaine
Vive la Societe Mondial du Vin