A wine expert is celebrating after winning an award from his employers.

Louis Villard is the sommelier at Ashdown Park Hotel at Wych Cross, near Forest Row.

The 28-year-old wine expert recently reached the regional finals of the Champagne Ruinart UK Sommelier of the Year and has now been named Employee of the Season at the hotel.

His innovative wine list also means the hotel is through the first round of the AA Wine Award.

Louis, who grew up in California, gained his in-depth knowledge of the wine world by working as a winemaker at vineyards in the New World, France and Greece.

He joined Ashdown Park as head sommelier three years ago after graduating from the University of Brighton with a degree in wine studies.

Ashdown Park general manager Dominic Osborne presented Louis with a certificate and he also won a short break at one of the hotel's sister venues.

Ms Osborne said: "Louis is a popular and knowledgeable member of staff and his recognition as employee of the season is well deserved."

Friday, August 26 2005