The Taylor’s Port Top 100 Sommeliers 2026 list was officially unveiled on 22 June at The Dorchester in London, honouring the UK’s leading wine professionals who continue to elevate service and expertise in the hospitality sector.
Founded by London-based magazine Sommelier Edit in May 2023, the prestigious ranking has quickly established itself as the definitive list of talented wine service professionals in the UK.
Following the partnership with Taylor’s Port, the annual listing has now been renamed the Taylor’s Port Top 100 Sommeliers 2026, with the 2026 edition marking the first under this new collaboration.
Nominees are put forward by industry peers, fellow sommeliers, and diners, before being rigorously assessed by an expert judging panel.
The selection process evaluates candidates based on a comprehensive points system that considers experience and seniority, responsibility and management, qualifications and achievements, awards and accolades, as well as industry endorsements and competition success.
This year’s Top 5 Sommeliers are:
- Champion: Maria Boumpa, Wine Director at Da Terra Restaurant Group
- First Runner-Up: Klearhos Kanellakis, Wine Director at Jul’s Group
- Second Runner-Up: Marco Nardi, Head Sommelier at Caractère
- Third Runner-Up: Emma Denney, Director of Wine at Claridge’s
- Fourth Runner-Up: Garry Clark, Sommelier at LI~LY by Aiden Byrne
There are also special awards highlighting exceptional contributions to the wine world. Brian Julyan MS, President of the Court of Master Sommeliers Europe, earned the Legend Award. Louise Gordon, Head of Wine at Hand Picked Hotels, received the Excellence in Education Award, while Eugenio Egorov, Wine Director at Six Senses, took home the Innovation Award. Terry Kandylis, founder of Bendito Destino, was recognised with the Inspiration Award.
As one of the oldest and most iconic Port houses, Taylor’s is committed not only to the art of winemaking but also to the advancement of wine culture. The annual list continues to shine a spotlight on the dedication, creativity, and passion driving Britain’s dynamic wine scene.
Congratulations to all recognised sommeliers for their outstanding achievements.
