Our Talent and Development Director - Eric Zwiebel
Eric Zwiebel formally a UKSA Vice-President has now expanded his on role with us and is our Talent and Development Director where one of his responsibilities is to coach UK candidates for international competition and be part of the technical committee. He has had, and continues to have an illustrious career and we are very lucky to have the support, knowledge and expertise which he generously gives to us. This year he has also co-founded the Northern Sommelier Club with which has brought together the industry in the North and definitely been a smash hit!
Eric is passionate about the UKSA and lends his time, energy and immense knowledge to build the UK sommelier industry legacy and share his passion to keep the story alive.
He believes that the UKSA is a family and there is great advantage in taking part in competitions and exams, training with other sommelier’s and wearing the badge with pride of the UKSA.
Born in Alsace, Eric began his wine career by helping his parents in their restaurant, working as a waiter for two years before his father suggested a move to a 3-star Michelin restaurant where Serge Buds, Best Sommelier of the World 1989, was based and thus Eric’s love of wine was born.
In 1997, after 5 years, Eric moved to the UK to broaden his knowledge of the many different wine regions and to take courses offered by the Court of Master Sommeliers, with Gerard Basset mentoring him. In 2001, Zweibel achieved his Master Sommelier qualification, confirming his position among the world’s finest sommeliers.
In 2004, he won the Best Sommelier of the UK, and 3rd place at the Best Sommelier of Europe in 2006 and 2008. He was second equal in the Best Sommelier of the World 2007 and placed 4th at the 2013 competition in Tokyo. In 2018, he passed The ASI Certificate Gold Diploma Major of Promotion Worldwide. Eric is the Talent and Development Director of the UK Sommeliers Academy and part of the technique community. In 2021 Eric became Cateys wine and spirit ambassador.
Having overseen the wine cellars of Hotel du Vin, Cliveden House and Summer Lodge, Eric now is at The Samling, who have one of the finest wine collections in the UK and has been awarded 3 stars by the World of Fine Wine and as well as being included in the AA’s ‘Notable Wine List Award 2022’ with a diverse and extensive collection.
Eric Zwiebel, the highly acclaimed sommelier and Director of Wine at The Samling has been bestowed with the first-ever Legend Award at the esteemed Top 100 Sommelier Awards. The event, held annually to recognize excellence in the world of wine service, celebrated Zwiebel's outstanding contributions to the industry and his unparalleled expertise.