Sommelier Competition Requirements and Rules

Eligibility
The Young Sommelier Competition is open to any qualified individual who:

Is an American citizen or citizen of one of the Bailliage des Etats-Unis countries
Citizenship may be by birth or naturalization.
Has an interest in the wine and crafted beverage industry.
Is at least 21 (twenty-one) and not more than 32 (thirty-two) years of age on
September 1st of the year in which the competition is held.
Is sponsored by a member of la Chaîne des Rôtisseurs.

To attain the distinction of being selected as the Best Young Sommelier of the year at the National Finals, the candidate must successfully progress through tests conducted at the Local Level and Super Regional Level.

The winner of the National Young Sommelier Competition is not eligible to compete a second time in the Super Regional Level or National Finals. An individual may compete only three times at the National Finals and must complete the entire qualification and eligibility process each time.

Introduction

Requirements

The Competition

Prizes

2009 Competition

Application

Manual

The Application
An Equal Opportunity Organization
We are an equal opportunity organization and do not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, religion, sex, handicap, marital status, sexual orientation or status as a disabled veteran. Information provided on this application will not be used for any discriminatory purpose.

The application is attached as attachment A, and the application is mandatory. Without a valid application, photograph (Super Regional Level and National Finals only) and identification card, a candidate will not be allowed to compete. This application will remain on file with the Grand Echanson.

A valid application, photograph, and identification must be present for the Judges at the time of testing and shall be provided by the Grand Echanson or his delegate.

The Process
The Applicant must have an interest in the wine and crafted beverage industry. The Local Level consists of Bailliages within the ten Chaîne Regions. The applicant must be sponsored by a Chaine member and must file an application with a Bailli, Vice Echanson or the Echanson Provincial.

The selected candidates will be notified of the time and place to take the Local Level test, which consists of a written theory exam that may include short answer, multiple choice or essay questions. Knowledge in all areas of wine and wine production, laws, viticulture and vinification, as well as spirits, beers, ales, ciders, sherry and cigars may be tested. The Theory section will have a One-hour time limit.

The results will be submitted to the Grand Echanson for transmittal to the Court of Master Sommeliers for Judging, and the top four scorers from each region will be invited to sit for the Super Regional Level competition.

Each la Chaîne region will select four candidates, with the highest test results, who will be announced by the Grand Echanson.The Super Regional Level competition should be held between February 1 and May 1, 2009. The National Young Sommelier Competition will be held during the National Mondiale Meeting. The first place winner of each Super Regional Level competition is then qualified to participate in the National Finals.

All local applications must be received by October 8, 2008.
Each region may have any number of applicants.
Local testing will be held in all areas on November 8, 2008.
All local tests must be received by 1:00 PM (PST) November 8, 2008.
Four winners selected from each region, compete in Super Regional to be held between February 1 and May 1, 2009.
Ten regional winners and two alternates compete for "Best Young Sommelier" May 30, 2009 in Sonoma Valley during the Societe Mondiale du Vin National Meeting.