05. December 2006.

The Herend - Golden Corkscrew Competition for sommeliers was organised for the seventh time at the local Auspicus Restaurant, where eight contestants put their knowledge and skills to the test before a judging panel of experts.

This year's event focused on the Villány wine region, and participants had to take a written test followed by practical tasks. The test contained seven questions about the wineries and hills of Villány, PDO laws, revolutionary local winegrower Zsigmond Teleki and Zsolt Spiegel, head of the local wine community, and even the upcoming events of the region. After the test contestants had to identify twelve scent samples to score more points.

This was followed by practical tasks to demonstrate that they were able to apply their knowledge in practice. After drawing a number, each contestant had to present a Villány wine, talking about its visual features and characteristics in the nose and on the palate. Points were deducted for failing to describe the wine in sufficient detail and naming qualities not characteristic of Villány wines. Naturally, contestants were expected to know all about the relevant winery, hill and vintage, as the members of the panel could ask about any aspects of winemaking and any attributes of the wine, pretending to be "ordinary guests".

In addition to describing their wine, participants also had to decant and serve it. The panel watched their every move as they removed the foil wrapping and checked and removed the cork using various tools and then poured out the wine, but the general elegance of the service was also evaluated.

Eventually, the Golden Corkscrew went to Gábor Cseke. Balázs Gősi was the runner-up, and Gábor Kovács came in third place. In addition to the prizes, contestants were also presented with valuable gift packages by the Wine Society and the Herend Porcelain Manufactory.