The UK’s Top 100 Sommeliers gathered to celebrate one of the wine industry’s most respected honours: the UK Sommeliers’ Sommelier of the Year 2026. The winner: Maria Boumpa, Restaurant Manager & Wine Director at Da Terra.
The Sommeliers’ Sommelier of the Year award is more than a title—it is a recognition of excellence, passion, and relentless dedication. Celebrating those who have mastered the technical skills, embraced continuous learning, and elevated hospitality to an art.
But what really makes this award truly special is that it is a people’s popular vote. Each sommelier who has been ranked in the Top 100 Sommelier ranking in the UK, since 2023, was given one vote and the chance to nominate the wine service professional that they think are the best in their field. Like football’s Players’ Player, UK sommeliers get to vote for the professional they most admire.
Industry Collaboration
This year’s award was presented in partnership with Decanter magazine, with Editor Amy Wislocki addressing the audience. “We’ve always had immense respect for the profession you have chosen,” Wislocki said. “Our mission mirrors yours: to share knowledge, champion inclusivity, and help wine lovers deepen their enjoyment of every glass.”
The ceremony also marked the announcement of Stefan Neumann MS joining the organisation as UK Ambassador. Neumann praised the evolution of the sommelier role, “Today, being a sommelier requires not only wine knowledge but emotional intelligence, communication, financial know‑how, and adaptability. You are all very special.”
Hosted by Sommelier Edit, the ceremony highlighted the artistry and expertise of the sommelier profession, celebrating those who transform wine service into an unforgettable experience. “Sommeliers are more than wine experts—they are storytellers, guides, and sometimes even magicians,” said Charlotte Hey, co-founder, in her opening remarks. “This award is a true celebration of joy, excellence, and the passion that elevates hospitality to an art form.”
A Peer‑Voted Honour
Every sommelier ranked in the UK Top 100 since 2023 was invited to vote for the colleague they most admire within the industry. Over 200 votes were cast from across the British Isles, from which the ten finalists were selected based on the highest number of nominations received. From that shortlist, one clear winner emerged.
2026 Shortlist – UK Sommeliers’ Sommelier of the Year
The finalists, as voted for by their peers, were:
- Beatrice Bessi — Head Sommelier, Chiltern Firehouse
- Maria Boumpa — Restaurant Manager & Wine Director, Da Terra
- Emma Denney — Head Sommelier, Claridge’s
- Roxane Dupuy — Executive Sommelier, The Social Company
- Matteo Furlan — Wine Director, The Dorchester
- Matteo Montone MS — Group Wine Director, Gleneagles, Maison Estelle, Estelle Manor
- Antonio Palmarini — Head Sommelier, Nela
- Philipp Reinstaller — Restaurant Manager & Head Sommelier, Labombe by Trivet
- Stuart Skea — Head Sommelier, Lyla Edinburgh
- Agnieszka Świecka MS — Head of Wine, The Audley & Mount St. Restaurant by Artfarm
Winner: Maria Boumpa
Boumpa’s career journey spans multiple countries and Michelin‑starred dining rooms, combining academic excellence, WSET achievements, and high‑level sommelier certifications. She has been recognised in the Top 100 Sommeliers for three consecutive years, recently earning the title UK Sommelier of the Year, and will represent the UK on the global stage at the ASI Contest Best Sommelier of the World, 11 – 17 October 2026. in Lisbon, Portugal.
Her dedication to innovation in pairing, mentorship, and service has made a lasting impact on colleagues and guests alike.
With Thanks to Event Partners
The event’s wine partners contributed to an exceptional evening of tasting and celebration:
Looking Ahead
Applications and nominations for the Top 100 Sommeliers UK 2026 are now open. Additionally, the organisation will host its next international ceremony during Barcelona Wine Week on 2 February, where it will unveil Spain’s Sommeliers’ Sommelier 2026.
