Competition starts in Lisbon

The World's Best Sommelier Competition 2026 officially began in Lisbon on Sunday, October 11. This is the first time since 1978 that the event has been held in Portugal, a country known for its rich wine production and diverse grape varieties.

Defending champion from Latvia

Raimonds Tomsons of Latvia, who won the 17th edition in Paris in February 2023, is defending his title. The competition, organized by the International Sommelier Association (ASI) and the Portuguese Sommelier Association (AEP), involves 66 candidates from around the world.

Portugal's wine heritage

Portugal is a major wine-producing country, with nearly 6 million hectoliters produced this year. The country has 14 wine-growing regions and over 250 indigenous grape varieties, including Touriga Nacional, Baga, Alvarinho, and Arinto. Still wines are gaining recognition alongside traditional products like Port and Madeira.

French representative and past achievements

Pascaline Lepeltier was selected to represent France in the competition. She had finished fourth in the 2023 edition and has previously won the titles of Best French Worker and Best French Sommelier.

Quarter-final tests and schedule

The competition's quarter-final program includes a written test, a questionnaire, and a blind tasting of six beverages on Monday, October 12. Practical tests will follow on Tuesday, October 13, though details remain undisclosed.

Diverse participation and organization

The competition includes 66 participants, with 53 men and 13 women. Four countries—India, Kenya, Lebanon, and Moldova—are participating for the first time in their history. Eighty volunteers from 40 countries are assisting with the organization. The competition will last five days, with the final scheduled for Friday, October 16, and broadcast live on the website of the International Sommeliers Association.