Jumeirah Group's Ian McEvoy has won the award for Sommelier of the Year at the Caterer Middle East Awards. He was recognised for his tenure as beverage manager at Jumeirah at Etihad Towers.
He collected his award last night at a ceremony at the The Ritz-Carlton, DIFC in Dubai. The award was presented to him by Valrhona business developer KSA, UAE, Qatar and Oman and Alioune Diop and IMEA area manager Zeyneb Larabi.
Having joined the hotel in May 2012 as beverage manager, McEvoy went gone beyond his duty to host high-profile wine dinners with internationally renowned producers, and has, impressively, been responsible for a 72% increase in total beverage revenue in the last year. Earlier this year, he moved on to his role as director of beverage at Jumeirah Group.
Speaking to Caterer Middle East just moments after he came off stage, McEvoy said: "Caterer is one of the iconic publications in the industry and it’s by far the most credible award in Dubai. It’s an absolute honour and I’m delighted. The quality of the guys I was up against is amazing."
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Before taking on his duties at Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, McEvoy had previously held roles at Burj Al Arab and Gleneagles Hotel Scotland, as well as a number of Michelin-starred restaurants in the UK.
He has made it his mission remove the “stuffiness” of the profession and to introduce the artisanal culture behind each wine.
His efforts to educate guests on the full histories and backgrounds to wines, vineyards and the people behind their creation has included the introduction of wine list iPads.
“I only employ people for their attitude, not their wine knowledge," he added. "I want people who have a desire and a passion to talk to their customer and enjoy what they do.
"I can teach them anything about wine; I can’t teach them attitude and passion."
Halil Asar from Six Senses Zighy Bay Oman, who has more than 15 years of experience, was highly commended in the same category. The other nominees were Ankush Jindal of Okku Dubai, Dimitar Dimitrov from Burj Al Arab, and Certo, Radisson Blu Dubai Media City’s Maruthanayagam Periyasamy.
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