{"id":10825,"date":"2026-01-28T14:50:40","date_gmt":"2026-01-28T14:50:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sommelieredit.com\/?p=10825"},"modified":"2026-01-28T15:02:25","modified_gmt":"2026-01-28T15:02:25","slug":"maria-boumpa-sommeliers-sommelier-of-the-year-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sommelieredit.com\/es\/maria-boumpa-sommeliers-sommelier-of-the-year-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Maria Boumpa: Sommeliers\u2019 Sommelier of the Year 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

The UK\u2019s Top 100 Sommeliers gathered to celebrate one of the wine industry\u2019s most respected honours: the UK Sommeliers\u2019 Sommelier of the Year 2026<\/strong>. The winner:\u00a0Maria Boumpa<\/strong>, Restaurant Manager & Wine Director at Da Terra.<\/h2>\n

The Sommeliers\u2019 Sommelier of the Year award is more than a title\u2014it is a recognition of excellence, passion, and relentless dedication.\u00a0 Celebrating those who have mastered the technical skills, embraced continuous learning, and elevated hospitality to an art.<\/h3>\n

But what really makes this award truly special is that it is a people\u2019s popular vote. Each sommelier who has\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n

Industry Collaboration<\/strong><\/h3>\n

This year\u2019s award was presented in partnership with Decanter magazine<\/strong>, with Editor Amy Wislocki<\/strong> addressing the audience. \u201cWe\u2019ve always had immense respect for the profession you have chosen,\u201d Wislocki said. \u201cOur mission mirrors yours: to share knowledge, champion inclusivity, and help wine lovers deepen their enjoyment of every glass.\u201d<\/p>\n

The ceremony also marked the announcement of Stefan Neumann MS<\/strong> joining the organisation as UK Ambassador. Neumann praised the evolution of the sommelier role, \u201cToday, being a sommelier requires not only wine knowledge but emotional intelligence, communication, financial know\u2011how, and adaptability. You are all very special.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hosted by Sommelier Edit<\/strong>, the ceremony highlighted the artistry and expertise of the sommelier profession, celebrating those who transform wine service into an unforgettable experience.\u00a0\u201cSommeliers are more than wine experts\u2014they are storytellers, guides, and sometimes even magicians,\u201d said Charlotte Hey, co-founder, in her opening remarks. \u201cThis award is a true celebration of joy, excellence, and the passion that elevates hospitality to an art form.\u201d<\/p>\n