Last updated 09:13, Saturday, 26 April 2008

SHARROW Bay’s acclaimed winemaster Nicolas Chieze played assistant to one of the world’s most knowledgeable wine experts for a special meal at the hotel.

Finalists: College principal Moira Tattersall, second left, hosted a meal at Holme, run by former pupils Kirsty Robson and Robert Don, standing

Gérard Basset holds the Master Sommelier, Master of Wine and Wine MBA awards; the only person in the world to hold all titles at the same time.

He was named “Best Sommelier of Europe” in 1996, and has finished twice second in the World Sommelier Championship in 1992 (Rio de Janeiro) and in 2004 (Athens) as well as second equal in 2007 (Rhodes).

Gérard steered clear of traditional and well-known French, Italian and Spanish wines for the event last week, in favour of bottles from Austria, America and South Africa.

Nicolas will be writing a monthly wine column for Cumbria Life magazine starting next month.

He said: “I’m really looking forward to sharing my knowledge and explaining all about wine.

“Each month I will explore different topics, it will be about wine making and the whole industry, not just what you buy in the bottle.

“I am looking forward to answering readers’ questions and recommending some of my favourite wines, whether for a special occasion or for everyday drinking.”