April 24, 2023 - The Union de la Sommellerie Française (UDSF) and its members are pleased to announce Fabrice Sommier as the new President of the association. Fabrice Sommier succeeds Philippe Faure-Brac, at the head of the association for 7 years. Fabrice Sommier and his team today unveil their ambitions for the UDSF for the next three years: to become a major player in the world of wine in France and internationally.
From an early age, Fabrice was attracted to food trades, an interest that quickly led him to choose the path of apprenticeship in restaurant (and graduated top of his class). Subsequently, he evolved in many prestigious establishments alongside Bernard Brossier, Jean-François Rodallec, Jean Bardet, but also later as head sommelier with Martin Schreiber and Philippe Groult. The meeting with Michel Desroches, sommelier from Berry, is at the origin of his passion for sommellerie.
After a brief stint at Bernard Loiseau, Fabrice Sommier arrived in 2000 at Georges Blanc in Vonnas. A few years later, he became Group Director.
In the meantime, he acquired the title of Meilleur Ouvrier de France in Sommellerie in 2007 as well as that of Master of Port in 2010.
In 2021, after more than 35 years in luxury hotels and starred restaurants, he decided alongside his partner to open the Wine School by Fabrice Sommier in Mâcon.
In parallel with this rich career, Fabrice Sommier has always been very committed to the UDSF: member since he was 18, president for 6 consecutive years of the association of sommeliers from Lyon and Rhône-Alpes, 7 years technical director of the competitions organized by la Sommellerie Française, 12 years as secretary general, before being named today president of the Union de la Sommellerie Française.
"I am honored to be elected President of the UDSF, with this enthusiastic team by my side, to promote the sommelier trade on the national and international scene, to offer ever more services to our members, to promote exchanges, transmission and attracting new talent.'' Fabrice Sommier
Fabrice Sommier and his team want to develop the Union de la Sommellerie Française through 3 priority projects:
Redéfinir l’organigramme pour permettre aux adhérents et non adhérents de mieux identifier les différentes actions menées par l’association. Il sera composé de 6 commissions : communication, partenariats, jeunesse, sages et éthiques, relations professionnelles maîtres sommeliers, histoire de l’UDSF. La Team France change de nom est devient l’Équipe de France et proposera dans quelque temps une évolution de son fonctionnement. Une nouvelle structuration nationale, en divisant la France en six zones dirigées par un.e responsable de zone qui travaillera sous la tutelle du secrétaire général de l’UDSF, afin de créer des passerelles inter régions.
Place members once again at the heart of the UDSF by offering privileged offers and advantages: exclusive visibility of job offers, posting of national and international news, creation of e-learning for members of the 'UDSF, a panel of partner advantages. In addition, during this mandate young people will be honored, with the establishment of a youth center under the responsibility of the youth commission. The objective is to support young people after their training as part of their integration into professional life.
One wish: to become the leading community of Sommeliers in France. This requires the professionalization of the association, representation with institutions, modernization of the operation of competitions. Support for regional associations will be put in place to increase the number of members and attract new talent.
CHAIR: Fabrice Sommier
GENERAL SECRETARY: Florent Martin
ASSISTANT SECRETARY: Caroline Furstoss
TREASURER: Xavier Thuizat
ASSISTANT TREASURER: Frédéric Devautour
ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT: Claire Monnier
Text and photo : Union de la sommellerie Française
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