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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: James Tidwell
214-287-5050
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www.texsom.com
Dallas Sommelier Scott Barber Nabs Coveted ‘Texas’ Best’ Title
Austin, Texas (August 21, 2008) –– After a rigorous three-part examination involving wine tasting, service and theory, Scott Barber of Dallas’ Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek secured the coveted title of Texas’ Best Sommelier for 2008. He competed with 25 other up-and-coming sommeliers in the 4th Annual Texas’ Best Sommelier competition, which was judged by an elite panel of Master Sommeliers from across the nation.
Held on August 17 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Austin, the competition is a key part of TexSom, an annual wine-education conference. Presented by the not-for-profit organizations the Texas Sommelier Association and Wine and Food Foundation of Texas, TexSom is the only event of its kind in the United States. Since its inception in 2005, it has attracted more than 1,000 wine professionals, and 100 Texas sommeliers have competed. Speakers represent the most prestigious levels of wine educators –– Master Sommeliers (MS), Masters of Wine (MW), Certified Wine Educators (CWE), and other respected members of the industry. Educators this year included Fred Dame MS, President of the Guild of Sommeliers Education Foundation; Guy Stout MS, Education Director for Southern/Glazer’s Distributors; Charles Curtis MW, Head of Wine Sales for Christie’s – North America; Barbara Werley MS, Wine Director for Pappas Bros. Steakhouse; Shayn Bjornholm MS, Education Director for the Washington Wine Commission; and Tim Gaiser MS, Education Chair for the American Chapter of the Court of Master Sommeliers.
In addition to being dubbed “Texas’ Best Sommelier,” Barber received a scholarship of $2,500 from the Guild of Sommeliers Education Foundation to continue his wine studies. A Galveston native, Barber has lived in Dallas for the past five years after stints as an art dealer and auction specialist in New York and San Francisco.
Barber relished the opportunity to test his skills and knowledge against his peers. “I’m excited and very honored, since there were a number of excellent candidates. It was a bit of surprise to come out on top, but I am thrilled,” he says. “I went into the process not expecting anything and thought ‘let’s just have fun.’”
Laura Atkinson from Horizon Wines in San Antonio landed second place and a $1,500 scholarship. Dallas residents Kim Wood of Pappas Bros. Steakhouse and D’Lynn Proctor of Wine’tastic tied for third, each receiving $1,000 scholarships.
The TexSom Conference Background
TexSom and the Texas’ Best Sommelier Competition was founded by James Tidwell CWE, Sommelier at the Four Seasons Resort and Club in Las Colinas; Drew Hendricks MS, Director of Beverage Education for Pappas Restaurants in Houston; and Guy Stout MS, Education Director for Southern/Glazer’s Distributors.
The event is made possible by the generous support of many sponsors, with scholarships provided by the Guild of Sommeliers Education Foundation. Sponsors include: (Platinum-level) Four Seasons Resort and Club–Las Colinas, Four Seasons Hotel–Austin, Republic National Distributing Company, Southern/Glazer’s Distributors and Turn Key Events; (Gold-level) Aqua Panna, San Pellegrino and Thurman’s Mansion at the Salt Lick; (Silver level) Texas Department of Agriculture, Banfi Vintners, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates; Old Bridge Cellars, Il Paese, and Avante Beverages. For more information, visit www.texsom.com.
The Texas Sommelier Association Background
The Texas Sommelier Association is a trade association comprised of Texas wine professionals. The Association promotes professional wine service standards, outlines paths for further wine education and certification, and raises public awareness about the professional standards and certifications for sommeliers. The organization sponsors the “Texas’ Best Sommelier” competition, with the winner being awarded scholarships for professional certification courses. For more information, visit www.texsom.com
The Wine and Food Foundation of Texas Background
The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas was established to connect its members and the general public with the value, creativity and craftsmanship inherently present in the culinary and viticulture arts. This mission is fulfilled by funding grants, scholarships and research aimed at elevating the quality, awareness and enjoyment of good food and fine wine as well as hosting education and social events that enhance the quality of life for members and communities. These programs offer unique opportunities to enrich the minds and palates of guests, who in turn can relate their experience with friends sharing common interests. For more information, visit www.winefoodfoundation.org.
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