(Wineparty Investigations)
Wineparty was sent a letter from an anonymous source accusing the Tyrolean Sommelier Association of questionable conduct (cronyism). As we know, the Tyrolean Sommelier Association is by far the most powerful in Austria. An investigation by Wineparty has established that the complaint referred to does in fact exist – and that the preliminary proceedings were not initiated by the Innsbruck Public Prosecutor’s Office. Wineparty will later speak by telephone with the author of the email, whom we have tracked down. And with the authorities in Innsbruck.
———————-
“I am writing to you anonymously because openly coming forward would pose major personal risks for me. It concerns events affecting the competition ‘Best Sommelier of Austria 2023’ and the Tyrolean Sommelier Association.
The competition is considered the most important accolade in our industry. Many sommeliers invest money, time and passion in their preparation for years. It is all the more disappointing to suspect that the entire competition – and especially the 2023 final – was manipulated.
There are clear indications that one finalist already knew the specific tasks weeks before the competition.
- Menu sequences, service tasks and wine questions appeared in the final exactly as they had previously been announced in messages and documents – in some cases word for word.
- Details such as the exact number of guests, the time limits and the selection of particular champagnes were known to the candidate.
- This information came from the immediate circle of the competition’s organisers.
As a result, the supposed element of surprise, which is at the heart of every fair examination, was an obstacle only for the other candidates. For the eventual winner, much was predictable and practised.
After the competition, further points came to light that are difficult to explain:
- The winner was surprisingly quickly given a position within the association.
- Office-bearers spent a conspicuously large amount of private time in the vicinity of his family.
- Wines from his parents’ hotel business were suddenly marketed throughout Austria as ‘Sommelier Union wines’.
To many, this does not look like a normal course of events, but rather like a fix with an economic motive.
Instead of seriously investigating the allegations, those responsible portray themselves as victims in public statements. Criticism is dismissed as ‘destructive energy’. The fact that these very people organised the examinations and selected the judges makes it even more difficult to have confidence in the structures.
There are also serious problems within the Tyrolean Sommelier Association, which is closely intertwined with the competition:
- No general meetings for years – there is no transparency.
- Association funds amounting to tens of thousands of euros were used in the president’s circle without clear oversight.
- Membership figures were exaggerated when presented externally.
- Some event takings were collected in cash without receipts.
These points show that this is not an isolated case, but a system that concentrates power and advantages at the expense of the credibility of the entire industry.
A criminal complaint has now been filed with the Innsbruck Public Prosecutor’s Office. There is reason to fear that the allegations have long since also reached the world association of sommeliers. If Austria were to compete in international competitions with a winner selected through a questionable process, the damage to our country and our industry would be enormous.
We have reached a point at which trust in our institutions has been severely damaged. Young sommeliers are asking themselves why they should train for years if the winners are apparently decided in advance. The industry deserves clarification, and we all deserve fairness.”
——————-
The content of the letter should be read with reservations. In addition to the letter, Wineparty is hearing that the Latvian Sommelier Association will apparently host the competition in Austria (Vienna) in November. Is this an admission of possible shortcomings? And what do the sponsors have to say? The presumption of innocence applies to those involved.