UK Sommelier of the Year

The entrance exam consist of three parts: a theory exam, an opinion-based exam, and a tasting exam. These are designed to assess your wine knowledge, wine tasting skills, and your ability to demonstrate hospitality etiquette.

Applications will be reviewed by the Technical Committee, who will select the candidates invited to the next stage.

Candidates selected will be invited to join the UK Sommelier Academy. 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.

Successful candidates will be invited to attend the two-day event in London on 14 - 15 October 2024.

Day 1: Quarter final

• Candidates will be judged on a written questionnaire, a written blind tasting test, and a practical test.

Day 2: Semi-Final and Final

Morning: Semi-Final

• The top 6 performers will compete in the semi-finals.
• The semi-final tasks will include: A practical test, a wine tasting and a surprise task.

Afternoon: Final

• The top three candidates will compete in the final in the afternoon.
• In front of a live audience, candidates will be 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.

Selected candidates will receive a detailed program of the 2-day event in London.

We will invite all candidates to attend the announcement evening where we will celebrate the achievements of all the sommeliers at a networking event. During this event, we will award the following categories:

• Diploma winners of the UK Sommelier Academy
• Gérard Basset Award
• Best performer in the practical exam
• Best performer in the theory paper
• Best performer in the tasting exam
• Top 10 performers in the competition
• The winner of the 2024 UK Sommelier of the Year competition

The winner will receive a bursary from the IWSC to use towards their training.

Terms & Conditions

Please download the Terms & Conditions here to ensure your application meets the criteria.

Timeline

• Closing date for applications: 23 August 2024
• Competition dates: 14 - 15  October 2024
• Winner announcement: 15 October

Submission

Download the submission form here and send it to community@iwsc.net with your supporting documents.