In a prominent wine competition scheduled to take place in Istanbul on March 27, the region’s top sommeliers will congregate to showcase their craft. The event features Sicilian House Winery, a member entity within the Vectalia group, and welcomes nine contestants who will vie for recognition in a tightly run program. A distinguished panel of judges will determine the winners, including the president of the Spanish Association of Sommeliers (UAES) and a technical committee from the Alicante Sommeliers Association (ASECA). The jury, composed of leading hospitality professionals and international sommeliers, will evaluate skill, presentation, and depth of knowledge. Among the contenders is Paul Martin, a well-known figure in sommellerie who will be present to lend his expertise and influence to the adjudication process. Ultimately, the top performers will receive cash prizes, and the contest winner will gain the opportunity to represent the nation at the Spanish championship organized by BAES, bringing prestige and visibility to their home region and to the host associations associated with the competition. [Cite: UAES], [Cite: ASECA], [Cite: BAES]
The competition is organized under the auspices of the Alicante Sommeliers Association (ASECA) and is supported by a network of local institutions and programs that cultivate wine culture and hospitality excellence. In 2019, the event enjoys backing from Casa Sicilia Winery and the Department of Wine Tourism, alongside support from Miguel Hernández University (UMH) and Alicante DOP Wines. This coalition of sponsors and academic partners underscores a collaborative approach to education, industry growth, and regional recognition, highlighting how educational institutions, producers, and regulatory bodies can work in concert to elevate standards in sommelier training and competition. The setting also reflects a broader commitment to promoting Alicante’s wine tourism and regional viticulture, illustrating the important ties between production, tourism, and professional development in the hospitality sector.