Gerard Basset

About Gerard Basset

Born in France, he quickly crossed the Channel to embrace a successful career in the world of gastronomy and wine. Gérard Basset is also an accomplished businessman in the field of luxury dining.

Brilliant from the start in the world of cooking, he obtained three CAPs between 1982 and 1985 (Cuisine, Restaurant and Sommelier). It is then in England that he will shine to become the most qualified sommelier in the world:

• Master in Sommellerie (1989)

• Master in Wine (1998)

• MBA in Wine (2007)

• Certificate from the “Beer Academy Foundation” (2007)

• Professional Certificate in Spirits (2007)

• Sake Sommelier Certificate (2009)

Gérard Basset will also find success in the development of his restaurants. First Head Sommelier at the Chewton Glen Hotel (at the time awarded a Michelin Star), he founded and managed for 10 years, in partnership, the “Hotel du Vin” group, which includes 6 Hotels. Since 2007, he has been the owner of Hotel TerraVina, in the south of England.

Gérard Basset is a member of the board of directors of Hotel TerraVina, the “Academy of Food and Wine Service”, the Court of Master Sommeliers and was elected in 2010 Secretary General of the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI). In 2011, he was awarded the Order of the British Empire in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

Awards:

1988: Best British Sommelier of French Wines (Sopexa)

1989: Best British Sommelier of the Year (Ruinart)

1990: 3rd European Sommelier

1992: Best British Sommelier of French Wines (Sopexa)

Best British Sommelier of the Year (Ruinart)

Best International Sommelier of French Wines (Sopexa)

2nd World Sommelier of the ASI

3rd European Sommelier

1996: Best European Sommelier (Ruinart)

2004: 2nd World Sommelier of the ASI

2007: 2nd (tie) World Sommelier of the ASI

2010: Best World Sommelier of the ASI.

Receives the “Catey Special Award”

He is elected “IWC Personality of the Year” (International Wine Challenge)

2011: He is elected “Personality of the Year” by Harpers Wine and Spirits Magazine

He is also elected “Industry Legend” by Imbibe magazine.