A memorable night for the Association de la Sommellerie Portugaise
The Association de la Sommellerie Portugaise (AEP) held its inaugural Escanções de Portugal Grande Gala this past June 28. The event drew a strong crowd of distinguished guests looking to raise their glass to several notable achievements by the Association and to help promote the image of both the Association and our profession.
First and foremost, the event celebrated the success of the first year of the Fernando National Course in Wine, the Association’s major recent project. Prizes were awarded for the winners of a competition derived from that course, with the Gold Medal for Best Wine Professional working with Portuguese Wines going to Fábio Benjamim Nico from Convento São Paulo, in Redondo.
The gala also feted the Best Sommelier of the Year 2019: Nelson Guerreiro, Maitre Sommelier in Alma 2** Michelin restaurant from Henrique Sá Pessoa. The ceremony also included two Lifetime Achievement awards, Press and Wine Service awards and the Best Sommelier of the Year 2019 Award. Finally, tribute was paid to the foundation of the Brotherhood of the Sommeliers of Portugal.
The Association of Sommeliers of Portugal had the collaboration and support of several partners on this occasion, including Grupo Pestana, Sogrape Vinhos Portugal, Riedel and Vinhos do Dão.