The sumiller (from the French word sommelier) is a wine specialist who suggests and advises clients of the great restaurants which are the appropriate wines for every occasion. In the United States it is also known as a wine steward. The sommelier has a different vision of wine from the winemaker, since it analyzes consumer from their place, but without answering for any specific producer. Sommelier Day is celebrated every year on December 28, since the last 8 years.
However, in the present day the sommelier’s frontier of action have spread to the point that it is no longer just a consultant for large restaurant chains: he also perform functions of wine critics, educators, writers and consultants. Among its most important functions is the creation of the wine menu and the art of pairing perfectly the cuisine with the wine offer.
Also they play an important role when managing storage wineries and wines, and are responsible for training the workers in the correct culinary wine service. The task of answering customer questions about appropriate prices and pairing does not escape its range of action, recommending the best combinations of dishes and wines according to the economic expectations of the customer.
The Argentina Association of Sommeliers established Sommelier Day to honor these workers of wine, feasting since 28 December 2008. During 2016, 15 to 20 April, Mendoza hosts elected the 15th Sommeliers World Contest. This contest is conducted every three years since 1969 and is the first time that Argentina participates as host. In the contest compete around 150 of the best sommeliers and press from 40 countries which are part of the Association of Sommeliers of the World.
