The recently-formed Union de la sommellerie luxembourgeoise (UDSL) brings together wine professionals and enthusiasts. All in a spirit of sharing and conviviality.
A few weeks ago, a new sommelier association was created in Luxembourg. A breakaway from the historic Association luxembourgeoise des sommeliers (ALS), this new body aims to offer “different visions of sommellerie”, explains its first president, Niels Toase.
A dynamic in tune with the times
On the agenda: more exchanges, more discoveries, more meetings, and more techniques for the professional members of the association. “We want to create a more fun, up-to-the-minute dynamic, a platform for exchanging, sharing and learning.”
“The UDSL is really open to anyone who loves wine from near or far, and who wants to learn more about this passion. You may be a wine professional, or simply an amateur oenophile. Our ambition is to organise a wide range of events for everyone, although some of the more technical ones will be reserved for members of the trade,” continues the President.
A board of professionals and amateurs
This openness is reflected in the composition of the first board. Its president is Niels Toase, chef de rang and sommelier, Best Sommelier of Luxembourg 2014, and now a teacher at the Diekirch hotel school. The vice-presidents are Jun Ruan, wine merchant at La Provençale, and Antonio Roberto, a wine lover and non-professional member. The Secretary General is Florent Levy Bencheton, sommelier of Luxembourg’s only 2-star restaurant, Ma Langue Sourit, the Treasurer is Grégory Mio, Best Sommelier of Luxembourg 2022, and the Vice-Treasurer is Philippe Lux, also an enthusiast, who has set up a wine import company.
Raising the profile of Luxembourg wines
“We are particularly keen to raise the profile of Luxembourg wines, not only in the Grand Duchy, but also internationally. Several professional sommeliers who are members of the association are preparing for international competitions to raise the profile of our terroir and our winegrowers”, explains Jun Ruan, the association’s vice-president.
Activities and discoveries
The idea is also to get closer to Luxembourg’s winegrowers. To achieve this, the UDSL has already started to organise events in the Moselle wine cellars themselves. This summer, for example, friendly barbecues and tastings gave members (and non-members!) the chance to discover or rediscover the Aly Duhr and Sunnen-Hoffmann estates in July. Other outings are planned throughout the year.
More informations : udsl.lu
