On Saturday October 29 2011, Vatel Switzerland organized a Swiss Wine Tasting Contest in collaboration with Varone wineries and the Swiss Sommelier Guild. All of the Swiss hotel management schools were invited to participate in the contest. The day began with a social coffee break to allow all the participants to introduce themselves and become acquainted with each other. Follwoging the refreshments, the contest charman Mr. Paolo Basso, one of Europe’s most highly regarded sommeliers began sharing his extensive wine knowledge through a wine tasting. He presented both a white and a red wine to examine each wine’s specific features and distinctions. After this fascinating presentation, the Swiss Wine tasting contest officially began.

Several teams of four students were formed. Each team had to partake in 8 different workshops. After completing all the tasks, the students handed in their answering sheets with confidence and a look of satisfaction on their faces. They then made their way to the banquet hall where they enjoyed a typical meal from Valais. The students took the opportunity to share their diverse school experiences while savoring a delicious raclette, a local specialty in Switzerland. At the conclusion of the meal, event organizer Mr. Philippe Varone announced the results of the contest. Both of the Vatel teams involved in the competition made the podium. One of the Vatel teams ended up on the third step of the podium, while the other team made the top position of the podium in a tie with a team from the Geneva Hotel School. The second position went to a team representing the EHL (Lausanne Hotel School). The afternoon continued with good spirits and laughter. At the end of the meal, the students proceeded to the entertainment room at Vatel Switzerland where they spent some more time together before returning to their respective schools.

Vatel Switzerland would like to thank all of the contestants for their enthusiasm and participation, as well as Mr. Basso and Mr. Varone who kindly agreed to put some of their precious time at the disposal of the students and to share their rich knowledge and incomparable wine passion.

Vatel Switzerland would also like to congratulate the winners who went home with a sparkling prize: a weekend in Bordeaux, one of th e most famous wine regions in the world.