Matthieu Longuere Wins the UK Sommelier Academy Gerard Basset Award
London
We are delighted to share that the winner of this year’s prestigious UKSA/Gerard Basset Award is Matthieu Longuere MS, Wine Development Manager for Le Cordon Bleu London.
This award celebrates individuals who embody the spirit of the legendary Gerard Basset—those who demonstrate unwavering dedication, mentorship, and an enduring passion for the world of hospitality and sommellerie, and the organisation has expressed that Matthieu represents all of this and more.
Matthieu joined Le Cordon Bleu as the Wine Development Manager in 2013, and has curated an exceptional collection of wine courses in the time since joining. Le Cordon Bleu is particularly proud of the
Diploma in Wine, Gastronomy and Management, developed and lead by Matthieu, providing an education in wine business management that fully prepares students to succeed in the world of wine.
About Matthieu winning the award, the
UKSA said: '
After starting his career as an elite sommelier in several prestigious establishments, Matthieu transitioned his expertise toward his true calling: education. For many years, he has dedicated himself to shaping courses to meet his students' needs—encouraging, guiding, and nurturing the next generation of hospitality talent. These are attributes he learned firsthand from Gerard.
Just last week, during the judging interviews for a potential scholar award, a candidate spoke with immense warmth and gratitude about how instrumental Matthieu had been in their career. It is exactly this ability to inspire that secured his success for this award.
Described by colleagues as deeply generous with his time, knowledge, and expertise, Matthieu is a beloved and respected figure among industry peers, fellow Basset protégés, and hundreds of former students. Yet, despite his brilliant ambassadorship for hospitality, he remains quiet, unassuming, and never one to "blow his own trumpet".'
Congratulations to Matthieu and thank you to UKSA and the
Gerard Basset Foundation for shining a well deserved spotlight on him.
