Singapore -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/11/2012 -- The first Wine Director for Raffles Hotel, also a first in Singapore, is Mr Stéphane Soret. In this unique and esteemed position of Wine Director, Mr Soret augments a comprehensive wine program for this Singapore hotel’s 15 distinctive restaurants and bars, banquet and catering facilities. He also orchestrated the wine chapter in the Raffles Wine, Food and Arts Experience, which took place on 26 to 30 January 2011.

Mr Soret joined Raffles Hotel with many years of exceptional experience in the arena of wines. A French national by birth, Mr Soret is a graduate from CMH Hotel Management Paris with a DIMH-Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management.

Blessed with a fine palate and natural aptitude for wines, he has crafted an illustrious career of over 20 years in some of the finest hotels in the world, sharing with patrons his authority and passion in wines. Prior to joining Raffles Hotel, he was the Head Sommelier at The Imperial in New Delhi, India.

A respected figure in the international wine scene, he is also on the Bordeaux and Burgundy panel of judges for the World Wine Awards organised by Decanter magazine in London, UK.

One wine philosophy that Mr Soret stands by is that wine crosses all social boundaries and is best enjoyed amongst friends. Hence over and above precision and finesse, Mr Soret is adamant that the wine program must be indulgent yet affable. Of particular note is the Enomatic wine system he has introduced in the Bar & Billiard Room, which encourages tasting and sharing of wines by carafes at this luxury hotel Singapore.

Mr Soret adds depth and character to the wine program with vintages from distinguished vintners, as well as boutique wine-makers, whose exclusive and limited bottles are rarely available commercially. He has personally chosen the global team under his direction, with three female and four male sommeliers

With the establishment of a comprehensive wine program, the Food and Beverage strength of Raffles Hotel will reach greater levels of excellence.