Carrie Coolidge, a Manhattan-based Pursuitist contributor, reports that Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, a prestigious luxury hotel group from Asia, has appointed Gerard Basset OBE as their inaugural wine ambassador. Basset, a French native residing in the UK, holds the unique distinction of being the only individual to simultaneously achieve the titles of Master of Wine, Master Sommelier, and MBA Wine. He was also crowned the 2010 Best Sommelier in the World. In his new role, Basset will collaborate with Yang Lu, Shangri-La’s corporate wine director, to enhance the hotel group’s wine program and mentor their hotel sommeliers.
Peter Finnegan, Shangri-La’s group director of food and beverage, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, noting that Basset’s expertise will enrich the group’s wine offerings and elevate the wine experience for guests. Additionally, Basset will conduct training sessions to advance the sommeliers’ knowledge.
Renowned for mentoring upcoming sommeliers and sharing his expertise with both professionals and enthusiasts, Basset will lead a training program and serve as a judge for Shangri-La’s Best Sommelier Competition. He will also host an exclusive event where guests can explore various wine styles and participate in a wine-paired dinner at Shangri-La Hotel Beijing.
Basset began his association with Shangri-La last year by judging their first sommelier competition and conducting professional development programs. Shangri-La is notable for its substantial investment in training and its collaboration with the Court of Master Sommeliers, providing a unique training environment and certification process for its sommeliers.
Basset expressed his honor in working with Shangri-La, highlighting the opportunity to engage in top-tier luxury hospitality and contribute to the development of aspiring sommeliers.
Shangri-La has been expanding its wine offerings, particularly in mainland China where it is the leading luxury hotel brand. Wine appreciation and consumption have been on the rise in the region, prompting Shangri-La to launch a Wine Programme in 2013, enhancing wine-by-the-glass and cellar selections in its hotels in China and Hong Kong.
This year, Basset and the corporate wine director will review Shangri-La’s wine selections to ensure a balanced and well-structured array featuring renowned estates and unique boutique producers. Basset will also share insights on buying tips, market trends, and wine pairing advice on Shangri-La’s social media channels.
Basset, who holds many professional accolades, is also the Honorary President of the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) and President of the Court of Master Sommeliers. He was named “Man of the Year” by Decanter Magazine in 2013.
Carrie Coolidge has an extensive background in luxury lifestyle journalism, having served as Co-Editor of Luxist at AOL and as a Staff Writer at Forbes magazine. She has authored six books, including “The Business of America is Business.” Follow her on Twitter: @carriecoolidge.