Raimonds Tomsons - Reigning World’s Best Sommelier to judge at UK Sommelier of the Year 2025
As if the prospect of attending the UK Sommelier of the Year final weren’t thrilling enough, we have an exciting announcement! If you haven’t registered yet to attend….don’t miss out!
Raimonds Tomsons, the reigning World’s Best Sommelier, has been confirmed as the special guest judge for the 2025 UK Sommelier of the Year competition.
Raimonds Tomsons - Photo credit ASI/HRV Prod
Our judging panel is shaping up to be, as in previous years, a line-up of the crème de la crème of the UK sommelier world. It will include our very own President Nicolas Clerc (2007 winner), Eric Zwiebel, UKSA Talent and Development Director (2004 winner), and Romain Bourger, Head of the Technical Committee (2019 winner). Also returning are Vincenzo Arnese (2022 winner), Claire Thevenot (2006 winner), and Matt Wilkin MS (2005 winner), Jan Konetzki (2012 winner) Nigel Wilkinson MS with more judges to be confirmed!
Vincenzo Arnese and Nicolas Clerc MS - Both previous UK Sommelier of the Year winners - judging at the 2024 competition
This line-up illustrates the prestige of the event, the rigour of the competition, and the level of excellence, precision, and passion that define the world of wine service. Past winners exemplify how winning UK Sommelier of the Year can be a powerful springboard to a remarkable career.
So attending the final won’t just mean watching a nail-biting competition — it’s also an extraordinary opportunity to mingle with some of the brightest lights in the sommelier world.
Join us at Christ Church Spitalfields on Tuesday 8th July.
The event will kick off with Welcome Drinks from 1:00 PM, followed by the live competition from 2:00–5:00 PM, featuring finalists who have been selected from around 40 Quarter Finalists. Between competition rounds, thanks to our generous drinks sponsors, there will be opportunities to taste, chat, and connect.
Last pour will be at 8:30 PM, and the event will conclude at 9:00 PM.