Simon Rogan

Congratulations to Lise, Sommelier at L’Enclume, who this month became the first winner of the Gerard Basset Travel Scholarship. This new travel nursery was created to celebrate the legacy of Gerard Basset OBE, MS, MW, MSc (OIV) and awards one UK-based sommelier £5,000 to cover the cost of visiting a winemaking country of their choice.

As part of her application, Lise proposed using the bursary to travel South America by bus and train, planning her travels predominantly around organic and biodynamic farmed wineries.

Gerard’s wife Nina said: “Lise’s application was well-written, and we liked that she will use the funds to explore the whole South American continent, using eco forms of travel once she gets there. She’s an exciting new talent, and we feel she will be a shining ambassador for sommellerie. Gerard would definitely have approved!”

“Travelling has always been an important part of my life. As soon as I started my apprenticeship at 16 years old, I put all my savings towards a South Africa trip and it was on this unforgettable journey that I fell in love with wine and knew I wanted it to be my career. I cannot wait for my South American adventure!

I will spend time in Chile and Argentina, but knowing me, my focus will be on the less popular areas such as Uruguay and Brazil. And I have set myself the challenge of travelling in an ecological way, as I wish every wine lover could realise how important it is to give health and respect to our planet Earth.” Lise Donier-Meroz

Well done Lise!