Marc Almert, reigning ASI Best Sommelier of the World, has many obvious ties to Switzerland. Although originally hailing from Cologne, Germany. He has long lived and worked in the Alpine nation, serving as head sommelier at the luxurious Baur au Lac hotel in Zurich.
For his service in raising the profile of wine and sommellerie in their country, the Swiss Sommeliers Association has announced plans to appoint Marc Almert as an honorary member of the association. This goes alongside his existing membership in the German Sommeliers Union, where he was recently elected as vice-president (see separate news item.)