Showing support and belief in the importance of the Sommelier profession, Sir George Fistonich was pleased to award aspiring master sommelier Damien Detchevery as recipient of the inaugural 'Sir George Fistonich - Villa Maria Estate - Court of Master Sommeliers Scholarship' yesterday.

The scholarship is granted to the top student of the Introductory and Certified Sommelier Exam Program, the first qualifications towards the distinguished Master Sommelier Diploma. 28 aspiring sommeliers participated in the course and exams run by Master Sommeliers Cameron Douglas and Brian Julyan over the last three days at Villa Maria Estate.

The scholarship supports Damien Detchevery by funding his Advanced Sommelier course and exam in the United Kingdom or the United States of America as the New Zealand course program does not go beyond the graduate stage.

Villa Maria Estate Founder and Managing Director Sir George Fistonich commented on his support for the Court of Master Sommelier training, "I believe it's important to raise the standard of the sommelier profession in New Zealand for our wine and tourism industry. I am pleased to be able to offer this support to one of our aspiring New Zealand sommeliers, who I know will go on to be a great ambassador for how New Zealand wines are perceived and enjoyed."