February 17, 2026 — GÉRARD BASSET was one of the most influential and authoritative sommeliers of his, or any, generation. Tasting Victory charts Gérard’s astronomical career in his own words. It recounts in detail how he managed to earn his unprecedented sequence of qualifications. He was one of the first individuals to hold the famously difficult Master of Wine qualification simultaneously with Master Sommelier and an MBA in Wine Business. But it is his pursuit of the most important award of all that forms the core of this book – how, at his seventh attempt, Gérard Basset was crowned the Best Sommelier of the World.
This memoir is also a record of how fine dining in England grew from stale and unexciting to world-leading. Above all, it’s about succeeding against great odds: when he was diagnosed with cancer, Gérard responded in typical fashion, by deciding to write Tasting Victory, which he completed shortly before his death in January 2019.
- Autobiography of a true legend and much-missed character in the world of wine.
- Inspirational life story of a rise to prominence from modest beginnings.
- Updated commemorative edition with chapters from Gérard’s widow, Nina, and son, Romy, exploring Gérard’s legacy in the six years since his death.
- Features memories of Gérard from major figures within the wine world.
- New colour plate section chronicling Gérard’s life and career
- ‘One of the world’s greatest authorities on wine.’ (Raymond Blanc OBE); ‘The finest nose in Europe.’ (Daily Telegraph)
BOOK DETAILS
Format 234 x 153mm (9.25 x 6in) hardback with colour plates, 288 pages
Publisher Académie du Vin Library Ltd
ISBN 978-1-917084-77-2
Price £25 / $35
Genre Wine, History, Food and Travel
Publication date March 2026 (UK) | April 2026 (US)
Available from academieduvinlibrary.com
