The focus of the Gaggenau Connoisseur Awards is the culinary excellence that runs through the veins of the region’s food and beverage scene. Gastronomic finesse refers to more than the final dish, by honouring the culture, heritage and talent of the region’s most popular culinary experts, we are celebrating this journey of excellence.

We were delighted to welcome you to the Gaggenau Connoisseur Awards 2019 on Saturday 2nd November in Etihad Towers. We celebrated the UAE culinary scene by honouring the best products in the UAE wine, truffle, caviar, oysters, coffee, tea, chocolates and dates.

The Sommelier Competition

Twelve of the region’s leading sommeliers from the UAE’s finest hotels and restaurants participated in a writing and degustation competition, judged by the award-winning Head Sommelier Franck Massard and his jury.

The Masterclasses
The Gaggenau Connoisseur Awards offered an exceptional program of events.

10:00 am The Sommelier Competition

2:00 pm Tea and Dates Masterclass – Jing exclusive historical teas

3:00 pm Truffle and Caviar Masterclass – Massimo Vidoni ‘The Truffle Man’

4:00 pm Oyster Masterclass – Dibba Bay Oysters, UAE first local gourmet oyster farm

5:00 pm Coffee and Chocolates Masterclass – Roasted coffee beans and Pierre Marcolini

7:00 pm Sommelier Competition winner announcement

8:00 pm VaKaVa Sea View Restaurant 5 course dinner - Wine Masterclass by Franck Massard

9:45 pm A live band concert on VaKaVa sea view rooftop

Tea

2:00 pm Master Class with Jing Tea and Dates

Truffles

3:00 pm Master Class with The Truffle Man, Truffle and Caviar

Oysters

4:00 pm Master Class with Dibba Bay Oysters

Coffee beans

5:00 pm Master Class with Roasted Coffee Beans and Pierre Marcolini