Entries open for the UK Sommelier of the Year 2025

Entries are now open for the UK Sommelier of the Year 2025, the award that celebrates the finest talent in wine service.

UK Sommelier of the Year, which is run by the IWSC (International Wine and Spirits Competition) in partnership with the UK Sommelier Academy, the UK arm of the Association of Sommellerie Internationale, is open to professional sommeliers and waiting staff working in the UK.

Widely regarded as the premier accolade in UK wine service, the UK Sommelier of the Year has recognised the leading lights when it comes to wine knowledge, including the late Gerard Basset, Ronan Sayburn and Xavier Rousset.

Last year Philipp Reinstaller (pictured), head sommelier at Mauro Colagreco at Raffles at The OWO London, won the title.

This year entrants will be required to take part in an online entrance exam, including theory, opinion and a tasting, before successful candidates are invited to attend the two-day event in London on 7 and 8 July 2025. They will be tested on practical service, blind tasting, and theory. The competition will culminate in a live final before the announcement of the winner. 

Entries for the UK Sommelier 2025 of the year close on 1 May.