June 11, 2025

Held in Santa Rosa, California, United States, the most recent edition of the Best Sommelier of the Americas competition already has a clear winner. Learn who they are and find out what the judges considered when awarding the victory to today's Best Sommelier of the Americas. What is the Best Sommelier of the Americas competition? This regional competition began in 2004 with the goal of highlighting important figures from this continent. There are also competitions for Europe and Asia, among others, in which the goal is to find the Best Sommelier of each continent. Countries such as Argentina, Paraguay, Ecuador, Uruguay, Panama, the Dominican Republic, Peru, and Chile, among others, also participated; due to visa issues, representatives from Cuba and Bolivia were unable to attend. Representatives are typically made up of local winners from each country, but as a requirement, they must belong to a sommelier association affiliated with ASI (Association de la Sommellerie Internationale), the event's organizer. After a display of composure, Canadian representative Joris Gutierrez Garcia was named the 2025 Best Sommelier of the Americas in its seventh edition. Gutierrez, born in Montreal, works at the Le Club Chasse et Pêche restaurant in the same city, as well as at the importer Agence Pirates, which specializes in French wines.

The excellence of Italian wine is lived, learned, and shared. It is with great enthusiasm that we present the "Best Sommelier of Italian Wines 2025" Competition, an unprecedented event in the Dominican Republic that seeks to celebrate and disseminate the cultural, historical, and gastronomic richness of Italy through its wines. This event goes beyond a simple competition: it is a true immersion experience in Italian culture. Participants will not only test their knowledge of viticulture and oenology but will also explore key aspects of Italian art, politics, sports, history, and gastronomy, thus creating a deeper connection with the world of Italian wine. In an environment of continuous learning, healthy competition, and camaraderie, this competition aims to highlight the talent of sommeliers and wine lovers, advance their professional development, and provide them with a platform for visibility within the Dominican gastronomic world. A unique opportunity for those who wish to grow, connect, and proudly represent Italian wine culture in our country!