UKSA members enjoyed Blind Tasting Masterclass at Amathus Oxford with Maria Boumpa

Fresh from qualifying as the UK candidate for the Best Sommelier of the World competition on Monday, Tuesday saw Maria Boumpa travel to Oxford to share her tips and advice with other UKSA members in a masterclass on blind tasting. Our Southern Club Director, Polly Gibson @winewithpolly, organised another smash club event in partnership with Amathus Oxford. Thanks go to them and, in particular, to Ana Sapangui, who kindly paid special attention to the choice of donated wines to ensure our members had a very special selection.

Special thanks to Maria, who, in the true spirit of the UKSA, is so generous in sharing her time and expertise, and to the members who joined us!

'Looking at wine through the lens of the ASI, even the most seasoned taster in the room discovered new methods and terminology for detection, all under the guidance of Maria Boumpa. With an outstanding line-up from Amathus, we tasted wines from as far afield as Slovenia & Armenia, along with some true classics to draw comparisons.

Already the UK Sommelier of the Year champion, and now representing the UK in the World Sommelier Awards, Maria is a humble superstar and set to go far. Catch her whilst you can - we feel privileged to have done so!' Polly Gibson