There are many stories I can tell about Gérard Basset. What I will remember most was his warmth and altruistic will to help others. At the 2013’s World’s Best Sommelier competition, I had worked so hard and I was disappointed and upset by the result. I asked him for advice on how to do better. He of course took the time to talk to me. We didn’t talk about technique, tasting, studying or anything like that, but instead about life, love and family. He made me understand that success would lie in a happier, more balanced state of mind. He was absolutely right, in many ways. I will miss him dearly.
