Tom became the first wine journalist to specialise in Champagne when, after six years of research, he published Champagne (Sotheby’s Publications, 1986). His Christie’s World Encyclopedia of Champagne & Sparkling Wine (Absolute Press, 1998) reproduced a 17th-century document proving that the English invented sparkling Champagne six years before Dom Pérignon set foot in Hautvillers. This historical revelation ensured the encyclopedia itself made history by becoming the only wine book to warrant a leader in any UK national newspaper (The Guardian, 14 October 1998). Today Tom is the author of more than 40 books and has a regular Champagne column in The World of Fine Wine. He has judged at wine competitions in Australia, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, South Africa and the USA. In the UK, he held the chair of the Champagne panel for the Decanter World Wine Awards from its inception until 2012.
Tom is the founder and chair of the Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships and during this year’s judging which is taking place near Royal Tunbridge Wells, he took the time to meet Guy Haywood from the English Wine Collection to talk about his illustrious career and life in the sparkling wine world!
The Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships
The Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships (CSWWC) is the first and only terroir-driven competition judged exclusively by internationally renowned fizz experts, who all taste each and every wine submitted to guarantee an unprecedented level of consistency and accuracy of judging. Founded by Tom Stevenson, with the support and expertise of Essi Avellan MW and George Markus, the CSWWC provides both consumers and trade with the definitive annual guide to the best champagnes and sparkling wines on the planet.