Matilda Tsappis, co-owner of Killiecrankie House in Perthshire and head sommelier of the boutique restaurant with rooms, has successfully passed both the Introductory and Certified Sommelier exams, one of only seven people out of a total of nine candidates who took the Certified exam to pass.
Alongside that, Killiecrankie’s restaurant manager, Lauren Henderson, successfully passed her Court of Master Sommeliers Introductory exam. She was one of only ten people to pass out of seventeen entrants.
Both Matilda and Lauren took their exams at Edinburgh’s Malmaison, guided by highly acclaimed wine educators and Master Sommeliers Ronan Sayburn, who previously worked in some of the world’s best known restaurants including Gordon Ramsay’s Royal Hospital Road, and Boutinot Brand Ambassador and Senior Wine Educator Nigel Wilkinson.
There are currently a total of 282 Master Sommeliers, indeed more people have journeyed in space compared to the number who have earned the title of Master Sommelier since its inception in 1969.
The Certified Sommelier qualification is the primary certification for wine and beverage professionals in the hospitality industry and recognises beverage professionals whose knowledge, skills and demeanour are worthy of the title – Certified Sommelier.
Tom Tsappis head chef and co-owner of Killiecrankie House commented, ‘’We’re very proud of what Matilda and Lauren have achieved. Lots of hard work, studying and dedication has paid off, with them both attaining their Introductory awards, with Matilda then going on to achieve her Certified Sommelier qualification.
“Both of these very prestigious awards recognise their real passion for wine, and their in-depth knowledge and we’re looking forward to seeing both of them continue to share their love and passion for wine in all its forms with our guests at Killiecrankie House as their respective wine journeys continue to develop and unfold.’’