Stephen Raducki wins young sommelier award

Published: 27 November, 2012

Hotel du Vin's Stephen Raducki has been named the Moët UK Young Sommelier of the Year Award for 2012.

Raducki, who works at the chain's Winchester outlet, was presented with his award by the Academy of Food & Wine Service at a ceremony yesterday.

The Academy's young sommelier award goes to a sommelier under 30 who takes part in the Moët UK Sommelier of the Year competition.

Nick Scade, chairman of the AFWS, said Raducki represented a new generation of dedicated, passionate and knowledgeable sommeliers: "Stephen's knowledge of wines is far reaching and his food and wine matching is extremely creative. He also has a boundless enthusiasm for wine and sommellerie and is totally customer-focused. He is certainly one to watch for the future."

Paris-born Stephen has worked as head sommelier at Hotel du Vin Winchester for a year, having previously been assistant head sommelier at the Lime Wood Hotel, Lyndhurst.

Accepting the award, Raducki said: "I am delighted and honoured to accept this wonderful accolade. It's a great achievement.

"I moved to London from Paris primarily to improve my English and to get the opportunity to learn about wines from all over the world. What I most enjoy about this profession is the interaction with the guests and ensuring that they receive amazing service," he added.

Raducki said that 2011 UK Sommelier of the Year Yohann Jousselin, of the Vineyard at Stockcross in Newbury, was as his most influential mentor, having worked together for a time at Winchester's Hotel du Vin.

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