UK Sommelier of the Year

The 2026 UK SOMMELIER OF THE YEAR COMPETITION will take place on 6th and 7th JULY 2026

As the organisation running the competition side of this prestigious event, the UKSA is dedicated to celebrating the expertise, technical skill, and hospitality excellence that define our profession. We are delighted to be partnering with the new owner of the event, Trade Hospitality, to deliver a world-class competition designed to push your boundaries.

Recognised by the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale, the event is open to professionals in wine working in the UK.

Widely regarded as the premier accolade in UK wine service, candidates are judged on their wine and drink expertise as well as their ability to deal efficiently and knowledgeably with customers by demonstrating exemplary front-of-house skills.

Key 2026 Dates & Information:

• Applications have now closed

• Selection Process: Initial stage includes an online theory, opinion, and tasting exam.

• The Finals: July 06–07, 2026 – St John's Church, 73 Waterloo Road, London, SE1 8TY.

JOIN US TO WITNESS THE FINAL AND CELEBRATE

Not competing this year? We invite you to our biggest member event of the year: The Final. Come spectate as the finalists go head-to-head, mingle with peers, and taste the finest food and wine between rounds and at the celebratory drinks.

Where the UK hospitality community comes together to support the next generation of talent.

Join us for the UK Sommelier of the Year 2026 Final — a unique moment where the UK’s hospitality community comes together to celebrate talent, skill, and the future of the profession.

More than just a competition, this is a live, high-level industry event, bringing together sommeliers, front-of-house professionals, buyers, and leading figures from across hospitality for an afternoon of insight, competition, and connection.

The event will be presented and hosted by David Kermode, bringing his expertise and energy to guide you through the competition and the evening.

Event Schedule – Tuesday 7 July 2026

• 13:00 – Doors open

• 14:00 – 17:30 – Live Final Competition
  Watch the UK’s top sommeliers compete across a series of technical and service challenges. During breaks, enjoy wines and drinks from our partners.

• 17:30 – 18:30 – Networking Break
  Enjoy wines and drinks from our partners, with canapés served while the jury deliberates

• 18:30 – 1915 – Results Announcement

• 19:15 – 20:30 – Celebration & Industry Drinks

Why attend?

• Experience the UK’s leading sommelier competition live

• Connect with peers across hospitality and front-of-house

• Discover wines and products from our partners

• Be part of a growing community focused on education, mentorship, and excellence

This is a rare opportunity to step outside the day-to-day and engage with the wider industry in a meaningful way.

Important information

This event is strictly reserved for hospitality and front-of-house professionals.

Registrations will be reviewed, and entry may be refused to those not working within the industry.