The UK Sommelier Association will organise their flagship event, the Best UK Sommelier Villa Sandi Award and Walkaround Tasting, on Monday 13 October 2025 at The Honourable Society of the Middle Temple.
Admission to the event is free for all trade professionals and wine enthusiasts.
Best UK Sommelier Competition • 10 am
The morning session at 10 am will involve 9 candidates participating in an initial written test and blind wine tasting.
The 3 sommeliers with the best results will be the finalists who will compete on stage for the title of Best UK Sommelier in the afternoon. In a captivating display of expertise, they will face a series of intricate challenges designed to test their knowledge, skill, and composure under pressure, presenting their impeccable service style to a panel of judges and their peers.
Candidates
- Alexandru Dan, Head sommelier of The Atlantic Hotel & Ocean Restaurant
- Francesco Tahiri, Senior Sommelier of Pirana London
- Giuseppe Pellegrini, Sommelier of Barrafina
- Gonzalo Lint, Sommelier Pavyllon of Four Seasons Park Lane
- Jake Garstang, Head Sommelier of Marea by Rafael Cagali
- Jules Coppier, Sommelier of The Lanesborough Hotel
- Marius Plesa, Head Sommelier of The Warterside Inn
- Mateusz Kowalczyk, Account Manager (Restaurants) of Moet Hennessy UK
- Shashi Prakash, Food & Beverage Manager of Taymouth Castle Golf and Sport Club
Judges
- Alessia Bizzarri, President of EU Sommelier Association; President of Club Associazione Italiana Sommelier (Belgium & Luxembourg)
- Annette Scarfe MW
- Diva Moretto Polegato, Export Manager (UK, US, Mexico) of Villa Sandi
- Francisco Nevot, Director of Wine of Aqua Shard
- Giuseppe D’Aniello, Best UK Sommelier 2023; Group Head of Wine of Gordon Ramsay
- Julien Seresin, Hide Restaurant
- Luca Carmignani, Association of Italian Sommeliers (AIS)
- Luisa Martinello, General Manager of Oeno Group
- Matteo Furlan, Head of Wines of The Dorchester
- Neil Philippe, Founder of The Wine Tipster
- Nick Kemball, Best UK Sommelier 2024; Events Manager of Berry Bros & Rudd
- Remi Cousin, former head sommelier of Le Gavroche
- Roberto Bellini, Vice President of the Association of Italian Sommeliers (AIS)
- Roberto Costa, Proprietor of Macellaio RC Restaurant Group; President of the Italian Chamber of Commerce & Industry London
- Virgilio Gennaro, Wine Director of Locatelli
Below some highlights of Best UK Sommelier Competition 2024.
The Walkaround Tasting • 11 am to 7.30 pm
Explore a world of exceptional wines and connect directly with producers at the walkaround tasting. With 25 exhibitors showcasing labels including from Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, Piedmont, Tuscany, Veneto:
- Alivini
- Amore GNA
- Borgo Conventi
- Case Paolin
- Castelnau Champagne
- Consorzio Tutela Vini D’Abruzzo
- Davy’s Wine Merchant
- Delitalia
- Dolcevita Wines
- Domaine Michel Voarick
- Ellis Wines
- Enotria
- Fazio
- Garnacha Origen
- IGP – Mortadella Bologna
- ODG Premières Côtes de Bordeaux
- Oltre Le Alpi
- Pampa Wine Group
- Salame Cacciatore – Zampone e Cotechino Modena
- Tenuta Santa Maria
- Tenute del Cerro
- Villa Bogdano
- Villa Sandi
- Vinchio Vaglio
- Vinlist
Masterclasses
There will be 4 masterclasses led by industry experts
- A Journey from Mendoza to the World by Martin Hudson MW • 12 noon
- Super-Friuli Collio Whites by Nick Kemball, Best UK Sommelier 2024, Event Manager Berry Bros. & Rudd • 1 pm
- Pecorino from Abruzzo, The Next Big Thing by Giuseppe D’Aniello, Best UK Sommelier 2023; Group Head of Wine of Gordon Ramsay • 2 pm
- Iconic Bourgogne Crus by Victor Voarick, 3rd generation Winemaker of Domaine Michel Voarick Aloxe-Corton Côte de Beaune • 5.30 pm
