It’s been a long road to the Best Sommelier of Europe & Africa contest which after 2 postponements due to the pandemic, is finally happening this November. It’s been an arduous journey, but the resolve of the Cyprus Sommelier Association has never wavered. Cyprus Sommelier Association President Georgios Kassianos in a recent discussion illuded to the challenges but says “we have never questioned hosting the contest and even if postponed a third time, we are committed to hosting it.”
With assurances of the contest finally happening its time to turn our eyes on the host nation. What’s not to like about Cyprus? Beautiful blue flagged beaches with the cleanest waters in Europe, 340 days per year of sunlight, welcoming people and great food. However, Cyprus is much more than that. The island boasts a rich cultural heritage, authentic experiences and numerous activities in the scenic mountain villages and countryside, which combine a unique getaway. Geography and gastronomy met on one of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean, Cyprus; an exciting crossroads of tastes and aromas, a bridge of cultures with influences on the local gastronomy.
A turbulent past has made Cyprus practically self-sufficient and in rural areas families still produce most of what they need. Not so long-ago grain, oil and wine were stored in pitharia, those enormous onion shaped terracotta pots that adorn the countryside. The island has always produced a huge variety of food due to its fine climate. In fact, staples such as figs, beans, chickpeas, herbs, olives, dates, almonds and nuts date back to antiquity. Once in Cyprus you can enjoy a healthy diet, in addition to syrup-soaked pastries.
The rural areas offer a varied cultural landscape with archaeological sites, monasteries, museums, whilst traditional crafts such as basket-making, pottery, weaving, wood-carving and lace-making are still maintained. All these, in addition to wine and cycling routes which cover a large part of the rural areas are ready for you to explore.
For those staying on after the competition and planning to eat out in order to catch, it is quite possible to try everything over the course of your stay. But why not order a meze and taste all the dishes at one sitting? Meze, short for mezedes or little delicacies (like Spanish tapas), appear in some form or other around the Mediterranean. Share a meze in Cyprus and you will have tasted the true flavours of the island, for you may be served anything up to 30 dishes. It is a complete meal. But beware, don’t be tempted to finish every dish brought to your table, or by the end you may feel as though you’ve eaten for a week! Just take a leaf out of a Cypriot’s book and enjoy your meze ‘siga siga’ or slowly, slowly. As for those visitors who are seeking for peace and tranquillity should definitely visit the Troodos area. In the small, picturesque villages one can get inspired to touch its soul, enhance its senses and get driven to fulfil its dreams, through the smiles and warmth of local people.
PROVISIONAL SCHEDULE
NOTE: This is only a provisional schedule. The final schedule will be available by September 1st. Check back to asi.info for updated information.
ASI CONTEST BEST SOMMELIER OF EUROPE & AFRICA
LIMASSOL, CYPRUS, NOVEMBER 15TH-19TH 2021
MONDAY 15TH NOVEMBER, 2021
10.00 – 16.00: Hospitality Desk for check-in at Mediterranean Hotel Beach Hotel
11.00 – 16.00 Partners international and local open exhibition at Mediterranean Beach Hotel
20.00 – 22.30 – Opening Ceremony with Officials, Delegations, Partners, ASI Board & TC – Dinner Fish and Seafood Theme evening at Four Seasons or Amathus Hotels
17.00 – 01.00: Bar des Sommeliers at Mediterranean Beach Hotel
TUESDAY 16TH NOVEMBER 2021
FOUR SEASONS Ballroom Contest – Quarter Finals Candidates & Jury
08.30 – 17.30 Quarter Finals behind closed doors (presidents and journalists will be allowed for photos maximum 15 minutes before the tests start)
10.00 Official Competition Press conference at Four Seasons Hotel Mezzanine
CYPRUS WINERIES PAFOS TOUR 09.00 – 17.00 – for Presidents (except judges) and other visitors
Route – Amargeti – Vouni Panayias – Pafos
Introduce the winemakers and tasting of Pafos Wineries’ wines at Annabelle Hotel’s Mediterraneo Restaurant)
20.00 Dinner at Mediterranean Beach Hotel BBQ night Announcement of Semi-finalists
Wine stations for BSEA Contest partners and Cyprus wines
17.00 – 01.00 Bar des Sommeliers / Mediterranean Beach Hotel
WEDNESDAY 17TH NOVEMBER 2021
FOUR SEASONS Ballroom / Semi Finals for Candidates & Jury
09.00- 14.00 Semi Finals behind closed doors (presidents and journalists will be allowed for photos maximum 15 minutes before the first trial starts)
CYPRUS WINERIES LEMESOS TOUR – 09.00 – 16.00 – for Presidents (except judges), candidates and visitors. Transfer by bus
Route Omodhos tasting Introduce the winemakers and tasting of Lemesos Wineries’ wines at Omodhos village and lunch at Oinou Yi Winery or Ampelothea Tavern
16.30- 17.45 – Mediterranean Beach Ballroom – Workshop & Masterclass on Cyprus Wine Varieties
19.30 – Transport for dinner at the center of the town
20.00 – Dinner at Pralina Experience – finger buffet & dj music
Wine stations for BSEA Contest partners and Cyprus wines
17.00 – 01.00 – Bar des Sommeliers / Mediterranean Beach Hotel
THURSDAY 18TH MARCH 2021
Day off from contest / Masterclass Day / Four Seasons Ball room
10.00 – 11.00 – Workshop & Masterclass
11.30 – 12.30 – Workshop & Masterclass
13.00 – 15.00 – Light Lunch at Four Seasons Hotel
15.00 – 16.00 – Workshop & Masterclass
16.30 – 17.30 – Workshop & Masterclass
19.30 Transfer with buses at Limassol Castle and Old Port for dinner
20.00 Dinner Cyprus Meze at Karatelo Restaurant Old Port
Wine stations for BSEA Contest partners and Cyprus wines
17.00 – 01.00 – Bar des Sommeliers / Mediterranean Beach Hotel
FRIDAY 19TH NOVEMBER 2021
09.30- 10.00 Departure by bus to Columbia Plaza in the center of the old town
10.00 – 11.00 – Workshop & Masterclass at Columbia Plaza
11.30 – 12.30 – Workshop & Masterclass at Columbia Plaza
13.00 – 14.00 – Light Lunch Seven Seas
14.00 – Departure for the Rialto Theater ten- minute walk from Columbia Plaza
15.00 – 19.00 – Final at Rialto Theatre
19.30 – 20.30 – Press conference at Madame (next to Rialto theatre.
20.30 – Aperitif Prizegiving, Gala Dinner at Four Seasons Hotel
After dinner Closing Party at Four Seasons Ballroom
SATURDAY 20TH NOVEMBER 2021
Departure day or optional you may extend your stay in Cyprus!
https://www.hermesairports.com/covid-19/travelling-to-cyprus