The Schloss Johannisberg Excellence in Education Award celebrates the sommeliers who are shaping the future of hospitality through an outstanding commitment to drinks education.
Recognising those working within restaurants, this award honours individuals who view learning not as an occasional activity, but as a fundamental part of their team culture and business success.
This category shines a spotlight on sommeliers who go beyond traditional pre-service briefings and standard training courses, creating innovative, engaging and impactful programmes that inspire curiosity, build confidence and elevate professional standards across their teams. The judges have been looking for candidates who demonstrate a genuine passion for developing wine and drinks knowledge, service skills and a deeper understanding of hospitality among colleagues at every level.
Importantly, the award acknowledges a holistic approach to education—one that benefits the entire restaurant team and enhances the guest experience. These sommeliers are not only investing in the development of their current teams but are also helping to safeguard and strengthen the profession for future generations considering a career in hospitality.
The Shortlist 2026
Louise
Gordon
Head of Wine Education, Hand Picked Hotels
The judges were impressed by Louise’s unwavering commitment to wine education, combining formal WSET teaching with innovative in-house training programmes, mentorship and immersive learning experiences. Gordon’s ability to make wine knowledge accessible across a large organisation demonstrates both leadership and a genuine dedication to developing the next generation of hospitality professionals.
Kristina
Gladilina
Head of Wine, Lita
The judges admired Kristina’s people-first philosophy, recognising their dedication to nurturing talent through mentorship, trust and practical learning. Gladilina’s focus on communication, confidence and genuine hospitality ensures wine education remains accessible, engaging and relevant, empowering team members to deliver memorable guest experiences while developing her own unique professional identities.
Kayleigh
Vidler
Head of Wine, Chesil Rectory
The judges praised this Kayleigh’s ability to embed education into every aspect of restaurant life, combining formal teaching, innovative training tools and hands-on learning experiences. Vidler’s commitment to making wine knowledge accessible, engaging and enjoyable for the whole team demonstrates a genuine passion for developing talent and fostering a culture of continuous learning.
Fabrizio
di Pasquale
Head of Wine, Studio Paskin Group
The judges were impressed by Fabrizio’s thoughtful and contemporary approach to education, placing guest engagement, inclusivity and communication at the heart of learning. Di Pasquale’s ability to adapt training to different audiences while championing the sommelier’s role as a trusted guide reflects a deep understanding of hospitality’s evolving future.
Wieteke
Teppema
Head of Beverage, Adam Byatt Restaurants
The judges recognised Wieteke’s highly structured and scalable approach to wine education, successfully embedding tiered learning systems across multiple teams and levels of expertise. Teppema’s integration of formal standards, practical training and advanced mentorship demonstrates a commitment to consistency, professional development and the long-term growth of wine knowledge within hospitality.
All five shortlisted candidates for this year’s award represent some of the most dedicated and forward-thinking educators in the on-trade. Through creativity, leadership and a commitment to excellence, they have demonstrated how effective drinks education can transform both team performance and the dining experience.
We are delighted to recognise their achievements and congratulate this year’s shortlist for their exceptional contribution to education, mentorship and the continued advancement of the sommelier profession.
