That Champagne Feeling…

Belgian Champagne Ambassador Finals (photo credit: CIVC / Bureau du Champagne Benelux)
Exciting times here at Wine and Words – earlier this week I was declared the winner of the Belgian finals of the Concours Européen des Ambassadeurs du Champagne, the European Champagne Ambassadors’ Awards Competition, which is held annually in 9 European countries.
The competition exists since 2005 and is organised by the Comité Interprofessionnel du Vin de Champagne (Comité Champagne) to, and I quote, ‘honour the professionals who contribute to improving knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the diversity of Champagne wines by conducting training activities’.

Photo credit: Peter Doomen, Champagne Ambassador for Belgium, 2013. www.bubbelgek.be
And an honour it is, for sure. Champagne wines, in their diversity, have always been among my absolute favourite wines, and now I get to represent Belgium during the European finals in November, as part of an unforgettable week in Champagne, together with colleagues from 8 other countries.
Leading up to the finals, we’ll be welcomed by a wide range of producers, from big houses to small, independent winemakers, and be treated to tailor-made classes and tastings. Then during the finals, we will each give a presentation on this year’s theme for the competition: disgorgement and dosage in champagne. Afterwards we’re expected to lead a tasting of 3 champagne wines for the jury, which is composed of oenologists, wine educators, journalists and sommeliers of the participating countries and of the Champagne region itself.
Now the post-finals adrenaline rush has settled, I understand more and more what a unique opportunity this is going to be – a chance to discover more about the fascinating wines of Champagne, and to meet and learn from a wide range of like-minded people, who are equally passionate about champagne, gastronomy, travel and teaching.
I’ll definitely keep you posted, but for now: allow me to propose a toast: to the champagne adventures to come.