Would you like to be called UK sommelier of the year?
20th March 2025
Entries have just opened for the UK Sommelier of the Year 2025 award.
The annual event, run by IWSC (International Wine and Spirits Competition) in partnership with the UK Sommelier Academy, celebrates and recognises the UK’s finest sommeliers.
The competition starts with the entrance exam, which consists of three parts: a theory exam, an opinion-based exam, and a tasting exam.
These are designed to assess wine knowledge, wine tasting skills, and one’s ability to demonstrate hospitality etiquette.
Applications are reviewed by the Technical Committee, who select the candidates invited to the next stage.
The UK Sommelier Academy will invite the selected candidates to join. Membership in the academy provides several benefits and support to help them compete effectively, including:
- Coaching sessions: personalised training sessions with past winners to enhance their skills.
- Mentorship program: access to a network of experienced sommeliers for guidance and support.
Show off your skills
Successful candidates will be invited to attend the two-day event in London on 7th and 8th July 2025. They will be judged on a written questionnaire, a written blind tasting test, and a practical test.
The top performers from the quarter-finals will compete in the semi-finals. The semi-final tasks will include a practical test, a wine tasting and a surprise task.
The top performers from the semi-finals will compete in the final in the afternoon.
In front of a live audience, candidates were tested both practically and verbally on tasks such as identifying errors on a wine list, food and wine matching, service skills, and a blind tasting.
Entries to the 2025 competition are now open and will close on 1st May. Download our entry form here and send your completed version to community@iwsc.net
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