Gosset Matchmakers winners experiences
Don’t just take our word for it. Here are a few words from some of the Gosset Matchmakers winners about their experiences in the competition.
“The competition was amazing from start to finish. Having always shied away from them previously through fear, you could not have been made more comfortable throughout as a finalist.
It’s so rewarding to work and compete against other like-minded individuals, but then to win. That’s something else, incredible prize to be able to get out to the Gosset House and experience the process from start to finish. A truly memorable and unique experience, one which I will never forget.”
Sommelier Matthew Davison, 2021 winner working at Fishers Baslow Hall. Now at Moor Hall Restaurant with Rooms
2021 Gosset Matchmaker
2018 Gosset Matchmaker
“When we did the competition, I found it particularly interesting to take part in because it was the opposite approach to making a dish. Wine first then the dish after, completely different creative process. I’m not a very competitive person so this is the one and only competition I’ve ever taken part in but I’m very happy I did, not just because of the amazing trip we got to go on and meat so many incredibly passionate people for Gosset but because it really showed how important team work is as a chef sommelier partnership and how it can be good to approach things a bit differently. Me and Ness had worked together for a few years before and now we continue to do so at Pine it was a good experience for us both to work outside the box.”
Chef Ian Waller, 2018 winner at The Forest Side, now at Pine.
“After the competition with Ian we have had a better understanding between our jobs; it taught us both how to work better together. Our pairings since are a bit more adventurous and a teamwork because each palate count.”
Sommelier Vanessa Majella Stoltz, 2018 winner working at The Forest Side, now at Pine.
2022 Gosset Matchmaker
2022 Gosset Matchmaker
“The Gosset Matchmakers competition has been one of the most motivational events of the year for me and my colleague and friend Julien. One of the coolest events for young chefs and sommeliers aspiring to create the perfect dish, matching with one of the sublime champagnes of Maison Gosset.
A competition is always a competition but this is unique because you get to collaborate side by side with a chef! Whomever imagined seeing a collaboration between a chef and sommelier, simply genius. One of the things I liked the most was cooperating and executing the vision of our dish.
I’m really looking forward to discovering what’s behind the walls and in the vineyards of the oldest Maison in Champagne.
An inspirational experience.”
Sommelier Sotir Semini, 2022 winner, then working at Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester.
“To participate in Gosset Matchmaker has been a real opportunity, not only to challenge ourselves, but also to meet other young chefs and sommeliers. It is a moment when we can share our knowledge and universe with passion and I’m really glad to still be in contact with judges and the other teams. I really advise all young people in hospitality to try the experience, there is only good to be gained from it.”
Chef Julien Deschamps, 2022 winner working at Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester.
2022 Gosset Matchmaker
2021 Gosset Matchmaker
“I can’t recommend entering the Gosset Matchmakers competition enough, what an incredible experience. It’s an amazing opportunity for young teams to showcase their talent amongst some of the industry’s best, working with amazing produce and stunning wines. From a chef’s perspective, it allows you the opportunity to get inside the mind of a sommelier and work to try and highlight some of the key flavours of the champagne, something that is often overlooked as a young chef.”
Chef Adam Eyre 2021 winner who worked at Fischers Baslow Hall
“Gosset really pulled out all the stops for us – touring their vineyards, deep underground cellars, and opening their full range including some rare back vintages in a tutored tasting with Odilon de Varine. It was great to spend a few days with the team, and get a unique insight into Gosset’s elegant and age worthy Champagnes.”
Sommelier Joshua Castle 2020 winner, Noble Rot. (left)
2020 Gosset Matchmaker
2020 Gosset Matchmaker
“Wow what a great project to be involved in. A trip of a lifetime! Such a privilege to taste so many exceptional wines in such a short space of time. Seeing the champagne making process from grape to cellar was a magical experience.”
Chef Myles Donaldson 2020 winner, then Noble Rot, now The Garden Museum, London. (right)