2020 Languedoc Wines
National Sommelier Challenge
Welcome to the 2020 Languedoc Wines National Sommelier Challenge, a test of written and blind tasting skills open to qualified trade.
One winner, who best identifies the typicity and unique character of Languedoc AOC/AOP wines, will be selected from among 10 finalists in the United States.
The prize includes a wine media library and a collection of Languedoc wines expressive of the diversity of the region. A certificate will be awarded to the winner.
THE CHALLENGE
The 2020 Challenge is in two rounds.
ROUND ONE
Round one is the qualifying round.
It will consist of:
- an application form
- a required-viewing webinar
- an exam of 40 multiple choice questions
The exam will be given on Sunday September 27th at 10 AM PST.
Passing grade is 80 percent.
ROUND TWO
Round two is the blind tasting challenge on Wednesday October 21st at 10 AM PST.
The ten (10) top finalists will be selected to participate based on the qualifying round criteria. The blind tasting will be proctored live; tasting notes will be submitted online and judged by a panel of Napa Valley Wine Academy Languedoc experts.
The winner will be announced by October 31, 2020.
Good Luck!
QUALIFY
- YOU ARE A QUALIFIED TRADE MEMBER
- YOU WATCH THE LANGUEDOC NOW WEBINAR
- YOU PASS THE EXAM ON SEPTEMBER 27
- YOU HAVE A VALID WINE SHIPPING ADDRESS
(SEE OTHER DETAILS BELOW)
COMPETE
OCTOBER 21ST, 2020
AT 10 AM (PST)
10 FINALISTS
ALL EVENTS ARE VIRTUAL
Haven't seen the webinar?
Watch it now
(hint – many qualifying exam questions are based on this webinar)
RULES:
- To qualify, all applicants must have viewed the Languedoc webinar. Download the slides to study for the exam.
- Applicants must be available for the First Round Qualifying Exam on Sunday September 27th, 10 am PST.
- Applicants must be available for the Final Somm Challenge on Wednesday October 21st, 10 am PST.
- Applicants must be qualified trade working now, or recently working in, the roles of sommelier/wine service, wine retail wine buyer/wine retail sales, wholesale/import/supplier sales, educators.
- Applicants must have a valid US wine shipping address (Continental US, and states where wines may be shipped/received)
- Previous Somm Challenge winners, employees of Napa Valley Wine Academy, CIVL and Benson Marketing may not apply.
