Maria Boumpa selected to represent UK at 2026 ASI Best Sommelier of the World
Selection for our candidate for Best Sommelier of the World took place on Monday 19th September.
The ‘Best Sommelier of the World’ Competition happens only every three years, and with only 13 months before the 2026 competition which will take place in Lisbon next October, it was time for us to select our candidate.
We are very blessed with level of talent of sommelier in the UK. All three of the selection participants are outstanding, have won the title of UK Sommelier of the Year, and are routinely acknowledged by the trade for their excellence.
Vincenzo Arnese, Philipp Reinstaller and Maria Boumpa were put through a series of tasks, designed by our Head of Technical Committee Romain Bourger, to simulate the ones they will face in the world championship.
Our judging panel, who we are very grateful, to comprised of Romain Bourger Matt Wilkin MS, Matthieu Longuerre MS, Simon Cox (Olympic Trainer), Marta from Trivet, Nina Basset FIH and Romané Basset. Trivet Restaurant, were wonderful hosts for the event. Thanks to Isa Bal MS, Jonny and Marta….
Wine was kindly donated by Domaine Evremond and Hallgarten Wines and supplemented with wine from Andrew Keeling.
Written Tasting:
Xanadu, Circa 77, Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon, Margaret River, Australia, 2024
Priorat, Bodegas Pinord, Mas Blanc, +7, Catalunya, Spain, 2020
Oral Tasting:
Gaia Wines, Assyrtiko, Thalassitis, Santorini, Greece, 2024
Viña Echeverria, Cabernet Franc, No Es Pituko, Valle del Maule, 2023
Practical Task:
Colares, Viuva Gomes, Malvasia, Branco, Lisboa, Portugal, 2022
Domaine Evremond, Edition No 1, Kent, England, MV
At the end of a gruelling day, Maria emerged as our UK Candidate
Congratulations Maria
The ASI Best Sommelier of the World competition, organised by the ASI, is the most prestigious contest in the world of wine and hospitality service. Held every three years, it brings together the very best sommeliers from across the globe, one from each of the member nations.
The competition is renowned for its extraordinary difficulty: candidates are tested not only on encyclopaedic knowledge of wine, spirits, cocktails, tea, coffee, sake, and cigars, but also on blind tasting, flawless service under pressure, and the ability to perform with grace and precision in front of a live audience. With only one winner emerging from this gruelling challenge, the title represents the pinnacle of achievement in the profession, marking its bearer as a true master among peers.
Now the real work starts!!!! Maria, with support from our UKSA team, Simon Cox our Olympic trainer, and no doubt her wonderful fellow members of the UKSA community, will go through an intense training program to prepare her to take on this supreme career adventure!