Ruinart Champagne is inviting UK-based sommeliers to apply for a place on its training and mentoring initiative, now in its third year.

Fronted by Ruinart cellarmaster, Frédéric Panaïotis and world champion sommelier, Gerard Basset, the programme offers 10 sommeliers the opportunity to benefit from £3,000 worth of training annually along with networking and mentoring from some of the industry’s leading figures.

The advisory board which is headed up by Gerard Basset includes: Ronan Sayburn, Christine Parkinson, Jan Konetzki, Andrea Bricarello, Emily O’Hare and Xavier Rousset will select the 10 strongest applications to join the Ateliers Ruinart 2015 programme.

Previous winners have had the opportunity to spend a day shadowing established sommeliers, attend annual symposiums into industry topics, participate in experiential sensory exercises, particpate in exclusive tastings and be the first to have access to research around hospitality trends.

Gerard Basset said: “It is a simple process and the benefits are invaluable. Training within the industry is vital and the Ateliers Ruinart programme stands out from other initiatives due to its networking opportunities, access to the well-known faces in the sommelier world and creative training to help enhance skills.”

Sommeliers can enter online at: www.ateliersruinart.co.uk