The Taittinger UK Sommelier of the Year competition
The Taittinger UK Sommelier of the Year competition recognises the very finest talent in wine service.
Organised by The Caterer and recognised by the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale, the event is open to professional sommeliers working in the UK.
Premier accolade in the UK
Widely regarded as the premier accolade in UK wine service, past winners include some of the industry's leading lights when it comes to wine knowledge including Nicolas Clerc, Ronan Sayburn and Xavier Rousset.
An integral approach
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.
Global opportunities
Following the Regional finals, 12 successful candidates are invited to progress to the next stage which incorporates a trip to Taittinger in Reims.
Upcoming competition
The UK Sommelier of the Year 2022 has now closed.
Click the button below to register for updates and apply to join the competition in 2023.
Who can join UK Sommelier of the Year Competition?
✓ The competition is open to anybody in the United Kingdom who is involved in service of wine and spirits.
✓ Candidates must be able to show proof (CV, sworn statement or similar) of employment within a hotel, restaurant or catering on-trade sectors within the last three years.
✓ Sommeliers employed in the off-trade or wine trade may still enter the competition, but will not be eligible to win the competition.
✓ Required knowledge: viticulture, vinification, grape varieties; compiling/categorising wine lists; English vineyards/wines; legislation relative to wines and spirits in UK; European wines and vineyards; well-known wines and vineyards worldwide; liqueurs and spirits; origin, methods of production; cellar organisation, management and stock rotation; wine vocabulary, description of basic sensations; organic and biodynamic wines.
“ The UK Sommelier of the Year competition is an annual event and an important date in a somms diary. We are delighted to be affiliated with ASI and thus the winner of the UK Sommelier competition is able to be considered to compete at International level, representing the UK, in ASI competitions across the world. The UK Sommelier competition is a platform which has helped launch many Sommeliers competition careers.”
-Nicolas Clerc MS, UKSA Co-Founder & President, UK Sommelier of the Year 2007.