Champagne corks were popped all round as Sydney Rathnayake from Raffles Dubai was crowned Hotelier Middle East Sommelier of the Year at last night's awards.
Rathnayake received the award from sponsor MMI.
An exemplary Raffles role model, judges said Syndney stood out over tough competition for adding his personal, confident touch to the wine service.
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Sydney has built up a sommelier team across six outlets over the past three years and developed a signature wine list comprising 900 labels. Most recently, he has made significant cost savings in the fine dining restaurant and across the hotel’s entire beverage offering.
He said being a top sommelier was all down to having a passion for the job: "To make a good sommelier I think you need the passion. You need to have education and knowledge too but I think if you can taste a glass of wine that’s all really you need.
Sydney also revealed his favourite wine was a Pinot Noir, while the favourite wine he has ever sold is an 82’ Cheval Blanc.
For the future Sydney plans to be a "wine director around the world for Raffles group – that is one of my dreams."
He said he was "delighted" to win, adding "it's time to open a bottle of champagne!"
Highly commended for this year's award was Rengarajan Rengasamy from Armani Hotel Dubai.
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