Sunday 17/11/24
Best Sommelier of Belgium 2024!

14u – 17u:
The final round for the title of “Best Sommelier of Belgium 2024.”
The Belgian Sommeliers Guild, a member of ASI and a co-founder of the international sommelier community, continues to play a pioneering role worldwide. Each year, professional sommeliers can compete for the title of Best Sommelier of Belgium, with the goal of raising Belgium’s standard nationally, in Europe, and globally.
This year’s competition will be held at Horeca Expo. Register via the link below. You can choose to simply watch the final, or to attend the final, the awards ceremony, and the reception.

By your presence you support the sommeliers profession!

Register HERE

Monday 18/11/24

12u45 – 13u30:
Is Saltiness the Essence of Rías Baixas?
by Germán Muñoz & sommelier Kris Lismont DipWSET
RÍAS BAIXAS invites sommeliers to an exclusive Atlantic experience. Discover the three main granite terraces: Salnés, Condado & O Rosal.

English masterclass – Register HERE

14u00 – 14u45:
Wines with a mission – California Green Medal Awards
by Sybille Troubleyn DipWSET – WineWise
Capstone California – a comprehensive wine course in four levels
Visit us at Chef’s Place and receive a 50% discount code to participate in
CAPSTONE CALIFORNIA LEVEL 1.

California’s wine producers lead in sustainability, setting an example for the global wine industry. Innovations such as drought-resistant grape varieties, solar energy, and circular water management demonstrate how sustainability can bring economic benefits without sacrificing quality. California’s sustainable wine certification (Green Medal Awards) offers a model for other wine regions and helps consumers make informed choices. This is setting a new standard in the wine industry.

Dutch masterclass – Register HERE

15u15 – 16u00:
Surfen en wandelen langs wijngaarden
by sommelier Charlotte Crul DipWSET

The coast and the mountains have a great appeal. Wines produced near the coast or in mountainous regions often have unique characteristics and flavor profiles closely linked to their specific ‘terroir.’ This tasting covers fresh, salty, mineral, complex, spicy, and elegant styles that reflect my favorite regions. Join me on an imaginative journey, exploring the power of the sea and mountains through wine.

Dutch masterclass – Register HERE

16u30 – 17u15:
Sparkling Italian delights
by sommelier Jean Trésor Vets
Italy offers a sparkling wine for every occasion. Prosecco is light and fresh, ideal as an aperitif. Lambrusco, the sparkling red wine, is fruity and pairs well with pizza. Franciacorta has a refined Champagne style that pairs beautifully with seafood, while Metodo Classico brings elegant, powerful flavors for luxury dishes. Asti Spumante is light and sweet, perfect with desserts.

Dutch masterclass – Register HERE

Tuesday 19/11/24

11u30 – 12u15:
Riedel wineglass experience
by sommelier Stijn Van Der Beken
A winemaker works for a year to harvest the best grapes and make wine. As a restaurateur, we can enhance or diminish this work in an instant, for example, by the choice of glass. Sommelier Stijn demonstrates with the Wine Glass Experience and Riedel Performance how the right glass influences the aroma and taste of wine. Specifically tailored to grape varieties, this provides an essential learning experience for wine professionals.

Dutch masterclass – Register HERE

12u45 – 13u30:
Waarom Marsannay Premier Cru wordt
by sommelier Tom Haes & Diederich De Maeseneire
Marsannay, the northernmost village of the Côte d’Or, is vying to have parts of its vineyards promoted to Premier Cru. We’ll delve into the various Climats and showcase, through different vintages from the Jean Fournier estate, the tremendous potential of these wines.

Dutch masterclass – Register HERE

14u00 – 14u45:
Champagne & Cheese
by Peter Doomen – co-author of the book of the same name
Wine expert Peter Doomen and sommelier Tom Ieven explore the fascinating pairing of champagne and cheese. These two artisanal products surprisingly have much in common. Their research is based on four themes: fruity champagnes, rosé champagnes, champagnes with higher dosage, and ‘blanc de blancs’ or ‘blanc de noirs.’ They delve into specific styles such as champagnes with reserve wines and luxury cuvées. Discover a sneak peek of this intriguing book.

Dutch masterclass – FULLY BOOKED

15u15 – 16u00:
Beers with gastronomic touch
by Luc De Raedemaeker – WSET Beer Educator – Brussels Beer Challenge
In the spirit of Dirty Dancing, with the slogan “Nobody puts beer in a corner,” we invite you to discover the gastronomic qualities of Belgian beer. Belgium offers a rich variety of beers, from fruity wheat beers to strong abbey beers. Each type of beer can pair perfectly with different dishes. Taste with us and be surprised by the flavorful combinations!

Dutch masterclass – Register HERE

16u30 – 17u15:
The renaissance of the Marche region: great wines by boutique producers
by Lucrezia Bencivenga – Export manager Marche regio
The Marche region is undergoing a true renaissance in wine production, with a growing number of boutique producers bringing remarkable wines to market. These small-scale wineries focus on quality, tradition, and innovation, resulting in wines that are gaining more international recognition. With the unique terroirs of the region and the craftsmanship of passionate winemakers, Marche wines are becoming increasingly popular among gourmets worldwide.

English masterclass – Register HERE

Wednesday 20/11/24

11u30 – 12u15:
DOQ Priorat: An Ode to Terroir and Tradition 
by Sybille Troubleyn DipWSET – WineWise
The Priorat DOQ is a unique landscape, formed by rugged mountains, dark slate soils, and steep vineyard terraces. The Mediterranean climate, characterized by intense sun and minimal rainfall, creates a relentless yet captivating environment that yields wines of remarkable depth. The landscape, carved by generations of winemakers working on steep slopes, combines natural beauty with a deep-rooted agricultural tradition. Protected by conservation efforts, Priorat remains a region of intense character, where the authenticity and history of the land are evident in every hill and vineyard.

Dutch masterclass – NO REGISTRATION POSSIBLE

13u15 – 14u00:
Whisky – Behind the marketing around our cherished sherry casks !
by François Pirson – WSET Spirits Educator
Who doesn’t love a good old Sherry Bomb Whisky ?
But what is a Sherry Aged Whisky ? Do those casks really come from the best spanish bodegas ? Or are the producers using some tricks to fool the malted Barley afficionados ? What’s hiding behind the whisky fans favorite casks … ?
Come and find out during our interactive masterclass

English masterclass – Register HERE

15u00 – 15u45:
WSET education – The systematic Approach to tasting (SAT) for Wine, Beer, Spirits & Sake
by Isabelle Lauwerys DipWSET
WSET students learn to taste in a logical, systematic, and professional way throughout their studies. The Systematic Tasting Method (WSET SAT®) is designed to gradually build individuals’ skills as they progress through the different qualification levels. Together, we’ll review how this process works.

Dutch masterclass – Regsiter HERE