Sommeliers

World's Best Sommelier Competition 2026: Meet the World's Best Sommelier

The Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI) World Sommelier Competition will be held in Lisbon, Portugal, in October 2026. This event is the largest International Sommelier Competition, bringing together the best professionals in the sommelier industry from around the world. The competition seeks to identify and award the world's best sommeliers, evaluating their knowledge, skills, and abilities in areas such as wine tasting, beverage service, and cellar management.

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He is the Best Sommelier of the Americas: meet him

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.

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“Best Italian Wine Sommelier 2025” Competition

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!

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This Is What a National Sommelier Competition Looks Like: Between Drinks and Passion

Behind every impeccable service and accurate recommendation lie years of study, training, and a deep passion for wine. All of this is put to the test during the National Sommelier Competition, the most important event organized by the Dominican Sommelier Association (ADS). Each year, the country's best talents compete in a day that goes far beyond pouring a glass. The tests include blind tasting, theoretical pairing, wine defect identification, decanting, formal service, and resolving real-life customer situations. The pressure is high, but so is the level of professionalism and dedication demonstrated by the participants. For the competitors, this event represents a unique opportunity to measure their skills, receive feedback from international judges, and advance their path to regional and global competitions. But beyond the prizes, what emerges at the competition is a true community spirit, where each sommelier represents not only their knowledge, but also their story and commitment to excellence. The public, for their part, enjoys an educational and exciting experience. From witnessing a decanting process executed with millimetric precision to hearing the justification for a pairing, every moment reflects the art and science of sommelierdom. With the support of the ADS and the endorsement of international organizations such as the ASI and the APAS, this competition continues to raise the professional standard in the Dominican Republic and showcase our talent to the world. Between glasses, aromas, and strategic decisions, you experience an intense, educational, and exciting day. Because in every competition, wine, service, and the vocation of those who proudly defend it are honored.

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How to Choose a Wine Like a Pro? Advice from Our Sommeliers

Choosing a wine can seem like a daunting task, especially given the wide variety of labels, varieties, and regions available. But with some key tips from our sommeliers, you can make better decisions—no expert required. 1. Define the occasion: Before choosing a wine, consider what you need it for. Is it for a formal dinner, a casual get-together, or a special gift? A sparkling wine is ideal for celebrating, while a robust red pairs best with red meat and a more serious evening. 2. Consider the pairing: Harmony between wine and food is essential. White wines generally pair well with fish, seafood, or lighter dishes, while reds pair with more intense flavors. Spicy food? Try a slightly sweet wine like a Riesling. 3. Don't be swayed by the label alone: A striking label doesn't always guarantee quality. Look at the country of origin, the grape variety, and the vintage. If you're unfamiliar with the winery, do your research or ask a sommelier for a recommendation. 4. Dare to discover: Don't limit yourself to what you already know. Explore wines from emerging or less commercial regions: Latin America, Eastern Europe, or even Dominican wines, which are increasingly offering higher quality. 5. Ask and learn: Talk to sommeliers, consult in specialty stores, or participate in tastings. The more you know, the better choices you'll make. Choosing a wine like a pro doesn't mean knowing everything, but rather having the curiosity and openness to enjoy the winemaking journey. With each bottle, a new experience is also uncorked.

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From the Caribbean to the World: The Evolution of the Dominican Sommelier

Over the past two decades, the role of the sommelier in the Dominican Republic has ceased to be an unknown concept and has become a pillar of the national gastronomic culture. What began as a vocation limited to luxury hotels and specialty restaurants now represents a recognized, dynamic, and constantly growing career. The creation of the Dominican Sommelier Association (ADS) in 2003 marked a turning point in this evolution. Thanks to the vision of its founder, Maestro Pablo Díaz, and the work of successive generations of passionate professionals, Dominican sommelier expertise has gained a presence in international competitions, fostered ongoing training, and contributed to democratizing access to wine culture. The official incorporation of the ADS into the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI) in 2017 opened new doors for the country's sommeliers, consolidating their global reach and enabling their participation in high-level events such as the Best Sommelier of the Americas Competition and the World Sommelier Competition. Today, Dominican sommeliers not only know their wines but also master the art of pairing, service, communication, and wine and food management. From local restaurants to international stages, our professionals proudly represent the talent of the Caribbean. The progress we have made is cause for celebration, but also a call to continue strengthening this discipline. With more interested young people, a more conscious industry, and the institutional support of the ADS, Dominican sommeliers are ready to continue providing, with knowledge and elegance, a future full of opportunities.

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