Elevate Your Expertise: The Search for the 2026 Douro SommCamp Representative
At the UK Sommelier Academy, we are committed to providing our members with pathways to global excellence. This year, we are thrilled to announce an exclusive partnership with the School of Port to send one talented UK sommelier to the Douro SommCamp in Portugal (5th – 8th July).
The Opportunity
The Douro SommCamp is a world-renowned educational bootcamp. The selected candidate will travel to the heart of the Douro Valley to explore the past, present, and future of Port wine alongside the Symington Family. This is a rare chance to connect with an international network of peers while gaining a master-level understanding of one of the world’s most complex wine regions.
The Selection Day: 20th April
We are hosting a high-stakes selection day at Champagne Charlies to determine who will represent the UK.
Educational Masterclass: A deep dive into Port styles and technical production.
The Competition: A blind tasting and theory assessment.
The Judges: We are honoured to have Adam Odor and Maria Boumpa (IWSC UK Sommelier of the Year 2025 and former SommCamp attendee) presiding over the selection.
How to Prepare
Success in the Douro requires preparation. We highly recommend all applicants complete the School of Port Essentials Video Course and Masters Video Courses prior to the selection day. These modules will form the theoretical backbone of the competition.
Key Details
Application Deadline: Sunday, 12th April 2026
Selection Event: 20th April, 10:00 am – 2:30 pm
Venue: Champagne Charlies, London
Capacity: Strictly limited to 20 participants.