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The Sommelier Edit No & Low Sessions
Monday 31 March @ 09:30 - 13:30 BST
Join us for an in-depth analysis of quality no and low drinks; how to taste them and what to stock.
In collaboration with category leaders, Botivo, Saicho Sparkling Teas and Zeno, Sommelier Edit founders and Victoria Moore, no and low expert, author and Telegraph columnist, will lead this groundbreaking event on the best drinks in the category, why you have to stock them and respond to demand.
The Sommelier Edit No & Low Sessions will explore the intricacies in the different styles of drinks available. Providing plenty of tasting opportunities, our expert panelists will explain exactly how the different products are made, how to asses their quality and pick out the very best.
You’ll learn the value of listing a wide variety of products and ways to best present them on a drinks menu. Top sommeliers who are leading the category will run a vital session on when and how to present no and low drinks to guests in luxury hospitality. Giving you ideas and methods to make your own and sell in a quality ,ready-to-drink no or low offer.
The Sommelier Edit No & Low Sessions will include a dynamic blind tasting session introducing members to the specifics of how to taste No & Low drinks professionally and in a competition context; how to critically analyse these drinks and score them accordingly.
Guest presenters throughout the event include:
- Victoria Moore, Wine Editor, The Daily Telegraph
- David Hodgson, Co founder, Zeno liberated alcohol
- Charlie Winkworth-Smith, Co founder, Saicho Sparkling Teas
- Harry Cooper, Head Sommelier, Counter 71
- Imme Ermgassen, Co founder, Botivo Drinks
- Laura Willoughby MBE, founder, Club Soda
- Beatrice Bessi, Head Sommelier, Chiltern Firehouse
- Charlotte Hey, Co founder, Sommelier Edit
9:30am Welcome & Introductions
Session I
9:30am Welcome from no and low expert, leading author, Telegraph columnist Victoria Moore
9:45am Sommeliers and the NoLo category – Victoria Moore: Why sommeliers need to include quality no and low alternatives on their lists. How the sector has developed and where it is going when it comes to alcohol free drinks.
10:15am Marketing, selling and stocking NoLo alternatives: David Hodgson, founder of Zeno Alcohol Liberated wine & Charlie Winkworth-Smith, Saicho Sparkling Teas: Explaining the increasing importance of no alcohol wine still and sparkling alternatives in high end hospitality, explain why sommeliers need to consider stocking quality brands and the advantages i.e. profit, margin, versatility food pairing and broadening your offer
10:45 Mindful drinking: aperitifs & spirts alternatives with Imme Ermgassen, co-founder Botivo Drinks & Laura Willoughby MBE Club Soda: How the category is performing in hospitality & changing demands from the consumer. The panellists will cover the role of aperitifs in the restaurant setting – growth and engagement with the consumer – and look at spirits alternatives, functional, CBD drinks and their position in high end restaurants.
11:15am BREAK
Session II
11:30pm How to taste no & low drinks – a round up of the best on the market and how to taste them. This session is designed to teach sommeliers how to taste now & low drinks professionally and at international competitions. The first ever educational session of its kind for top UK sommeliers.
12:30am Sommelier expert panel – the art of serving no & low drinks in a luxury hospitality with Harry Cooper, Counter 71… (more speakers to be confirmed)
1:00pm Closing remarks
