Ryde College student Jeremy Foot has received the Fine Wine Partners - Philip Shaw Wines - Student Sommelier of the Year Award for 2010.
Each year the award is presented to the most outstanding graduate of NSI’s Sydney Wine Academy Certificate III in Hospitality - Sommelier course.
According to Fine Wine Partners Chairman Rob Hirst, the accolade is a positive step forward in the development and recognition of wine education in Australia.
“New South Wales is producing world class wines and Australia must have the best educated trade possible to be able to firstly recognise this quality and secondly to sell these quality wines”.
“New South Wales is producing world class wines and Australia must have the best educated trade possible to be able to firstly recognise this quality and secondly to sell these quality wines”.
“It is vital to support these students and this award sits well alongside our other educational initiatives in supporting the Court of Master Sommeliers and the Wine and Spirit Education Trust of the UK (WSET®) in Australia.”
As the winning Sommelier, Jeremy received the perpetual trophy as well as an all expenses paid trip to visit Philip Shaw’s winery to taste their wines and meet the wine maker.
Jeremy said he was delighted to receive the accolade.
"I was shocked" said Jeremy.
“Having only just made the transition to wine and hospitality when beginning the course I always felt out of my depth when listening to my fellow students.
“But the skills and knowledge gained throughout the year and the valuable insights of the teachers and my fellow students have brought me a long way in such a short time.”
Jeremy completed the Certificate III in Hospitality - Sommeliers course last year, achieving the highest mark in the class. At the same time, Jeremy also successfully completed Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET®) Level 3 Certificate in Wines and Spirits course.
While Jeremy originally chose to study psychology, it wasn’t until he travelled overseas that he decided to pursue his love of wine.
Jeremy currently works at Rockpool restaurant in Sydney and is looking forward to what is sure to be exciting career in the wine industry.
“The opportunities that have arisen from my association with NSI and Fine Wine Partners have made me excited about the future,” said Jeremy.
“I would highly recommend the courses offered by the Sydney Wine Academy for anyone looking to cement a solid foundation in working with wine in a hospitality setting.”
NSI’s Sydney Wine Academy Director, Clive Hartley said the award provided great encouragement for others like Jeremy looking to enter the industry.
“It’s really important to acknowledge the achievements of young students and encourage them to do their best,” said Clive.
“Through this award we can encourage students and provide them with an opportunity to really excel.”
For more information about sommelier courses offered at NSI, visit the Sydney Wine Academy website.