South Korean Sommelier Delegation Trip to Roussillon 2018
As part of the partnership between Roussillon Wines and KISA (Korean International Sommelier Association), a 4 Korean Sommeliers delegation traveled to Roussillon last March, visiting 12 domains, meeting Roussillon’s winemakers and enjoying pairings between local French cuisine and Roussillon’s unique wines.
This delegation was composed of the 2 of the finalists of the 2017 National Best Sommelier of Korea Competition – Hyunchui CHO (Best Sommelier) and Hyeonrae LIM (Runner-up Best Sommelier) – and the winner of the Roussillon Special Prize – Heewang PARK. Eunjoo BAIK, the Vice President of KISA, accompanied the delegation on this trip. The delegation was greeted and hosted by Eric Aracil, Deputy-Manager of Roussillon Wines Council.
During this trip, the South Korean Delegation visited these vineyards over their five-day stay:
- Domaine Singla
- Domaine Calvet Thunevin
- Clos des Fées
- Domaine Cazes
- Domaine Vial Magneres
- Domaine La Rectorie
- Chateau de Valmy
- Mas Becha
- Domaine Puig Parahy
- Cave Arnaud de Villeneuve
- Vignerons Catalans
- Domaine Lafage
Aside from visiting vineyards, the South Korean Sommelier delegation visited a vintage Roussillon Cheese shop, Catalan Charcuterie restaurant, an Anchovy factory, and had dinners and lunches in the best restaurants that Roussillon has to offer. These meals were carried out with Eric Aracil, but also a selection of winemakers who brought their wines to be paired for the occasion: Chateau de l’Ou, Tramontane Wines, Domaine Clos des Vins d’Amour, Domaine de Robmeau and Domaine Lauriga.
These sommeliers enjoyed a trip that they will not be forgetting, encountering the beauty of Roussillon first-hand, tasting the uniqueness and variety of its wines, experiencing the warmth and passion of their winemakers, making friendships that will stand the tests of time, and savoring Perpignan’s local cuisine. As the locals say: you may leave Roussillon, but Roussillon will never leave you.
