The first annual ranking of the Louis Roederer Top 100 Sommeliers will take place on the 26th August 2025 in Auckland. The first Louis Roederer Top 100 Sommeliers New Zealand is coming to Auckland on the 26th August 2025. Launched with New Zealand’s only Master Sommelier Cameron Douglas the annual ranking will recognise the very best, working sommeliers in each country.
The inaugural celebration of sommeliers and wine wait staff in New Zealand has been made possible by exclusive partners; Champagne Louis Roederer, Barton & Guestier, Craggy Range, Graham’s Port and Negociants New Zealand.
Top 100 Sommeliers was launched in the UK in 2023 and in Spain in 2024. Following its success amongst wine service professionals in both countries, the organizers have teamed up with well-known Master Sommelier Cameron Douglas MS to bring the initiative to the southern hemisphere.
This annual ranking is not about an individual’s profile or the size of their wine list. It is judged on a combination of factors, making it an all-encompassing validation of each sommelier’s responsibilities, experience and accolades.
Curated by Sommelier Edit’s own, constantly updated database of working sommeliers, the list has been honed to select Top 100 Sommeliers, based on a points system, which includes:
• Expert wine knowledge – achieved through qualifications and/or experience.
• Level of responsibility – cellar mastery, wine buying, list curation and staff management.
• Working experience – length of time working in restaurants as a sommelier.
• Professionalism – proven excellence in customer service/experience.
• Industry endorsements – support quotes from peers.
• Competition success – achievements over others.
Cameron Douglas MS commented, “It’s time to champion and recognise the work of our best Sommeliers. The best Sommeliers are dedicated to finding the best beverage for their customers and cuisine, for many becoming a lifelong passion.” He concludes, “Discovering new wine and beverages, always learning and passing on their knowing to colleagues is part of the journey.”
Angeline Bayly, co-founder of Top 100 Sommeliers said, “Cameron Douglas MS is a leading international figure in our industry. His support in launching Top 100 Sommeliers in New Zealand strengthens our global presence. It is an honour to be working with him in such an important market.” Nominations are now open here:
ABOUT TOP 100 SOMMELIERS
Entrants are assessed on a range of criteria including their work experience, responsibilities, qualifications and accolades in order to recognize those _sommeliers who are at the top of their game right now.
Top 100 Sommeliers is not just about an individual’s profile or the size of their wine list. It is judged on a combination of factors, making it an all-encompassing validation of each sommelier’s responsibilities, experience and accolades, including.
• Amount of time spent on the floor
• Day-today buying, management and training responsibilities
• Experience and accolades
• Education, experience and studies
Our esteemed panel of judges ensures rigour and transparency. Their assessment of the data and the individual sommelier entries guarantees. The democratic approach of this annual competition based on merit and the professionalism of each sommelier.
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