Hugues Lepin’s career as sommelier spans over a decade. His training began with Alain Ducasse’s 3-Michelin-starred restaurant Le Louis XV in Monte-Carlo. Hugues left France to open "Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester"; he has worked with chef Gordon Ramsay, but it was the 2-Michelin-starred chef Hélène Darroze that he brought the Sommelier’s Table to life with.

The Sommelier’s Table is the first experience of its kind; the Sommelier’s Table at The Connaught Hotel is discreetly tucked away in the wine cellar and it is specifically designed for wine aficionados. Guests have the opportunity to experience an intimate meal curated by the head sommelier himself, to which Hélène Darroze has created a special tasting menu to pair with the fine wines. Hugues is now the Director of Private Client sales at Wine Source Group that offers a specialised service, carefully selecting fine wines and spirits for both private and trade clients around the world. Hugues champions the smaller, exclusive producers and biodynamic wines.

The sommelier during the festival he will present two master classes - on investment in wine and on tendencies of contemporary wine lists.