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:

• Application Deadline: 1st May 2026

• 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.

Ready to step up? This year, the UK Sommelier platform is dedicated entirely to the competition. It is a professional platform designed to elevate the sommelier community across the UK, where you can find out how and why to enter, alongside events and masterclasses to help you prepare.

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.

The UK Sommelier of the Year competition has long been a prestigious event in the hospitality industry, celebrating the talents and expertise of sommeliers across the country.

2025 UK Sommelier of the Year is Maria Boumpa, Head Sommelier at Da Terra.

2nd place went to Dion Wai, Wine & Bar Manager at Raffles at the OWO and 3rd place to Joanna Nerantzi, Head Sommelier at 5 Hertford Street

More news and full results from the 2025 competition can be found here.