Sofitel Launches ‘Wine Days 2015’, Announces Partnership with World-class Sommelier

Sofitel Athens Airport will unveil the all-new 2015 edition of “Sofitel Wine Days”, a program during which the brand’s hotels celebrate French wine and art-de-vivre, offering guests a wide array of extraordinary wine experiences.

Sofitel’s program will be held from September 21-October 31 during the traditional wine harvest period in France, throughout the brand’s hotels worldwide.

Highlights of the Sofitel Wine Days 2015 include the brand’s partnership with 2004 Worldwide Best Sommelier Enrico Bernardo, an exclusive global study about the art of wine and luxurious in-hotel events at Sofitel worldwide.

“Sofitel is honored to share the exciting new Sofitel Wine Days program with the world, and to work with such a prestigious figure as Enrico Bernardo”, said Fabrice Blondeau, Vice President, Global Food & Beverage for Luxury & Upscale Brands at Accor Hotels.

“Wine plays a defining role in French culture and savoir-faire – concepts that are at the very heart of Sofitel’s art-de-vivre. We look forward to bringing the elegance and excitement of this tradition to life in 2015.”

Sofitel partners with world-class sommelier Enrico Bernardo

An exclusive partnership with 2004 Worldwide Best Sommelier Enrico Bernardo will add a brand new, expert touch to Sofitel Wine Days 2015, during which Bernardo will take the role of the ambassador and spokesperson.

“As the wide world of wine expands, France has maintained a leadership position and remains a powerful reference in our minds — and on our palates — for fine, quality wine”, Bernardo said.

“Indeed, the Sofitel Wine Days study found that France is the first country that comes to mind when someone mentions fine wines. Furthermore, it found that French wine is synonymous with taste 53 percent of French people think that ‘gastronomy’ is the word most associated with French wine.”

Bernardo has also contributed an editorial to the brand’s Sofitel Wine Days booklet — available for guests to read in Sofitel hotels around the world — which includes infographics outlining the most compelling findings from the 2015 wine study.

Sofitel Wine Days global study

Exclusively for Sofitel Wine Days, Sofitel has commissioned a study with the French Institute of Public Opinion (IFOP) about the art of wine. The study takes place in two parts: Wine Perception in 2015 and Wine Consumption in 2016.

With a study sample from seven countries (Australia, Brazil, China, France, India, Russia, and the United States), the study’s compelling findings uncover how we think about and consume wine today.

According to the study, wine is the leading alcoholic drink (apart from beer) consumed worldwide. 76 percent of all interviewees consume wine (including 89 percent of Chinese respondents).