· SAVE THE DATE · ASI Best Sommelier of the World 2026 · Lisbon, Portugal ·
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· SAVE THE DATE · ASI Best Sommelier of the World 2026 · Lisbon, Portugal ·
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Best Sommelier of the World
Best Sommelier of the World 2026
” · “2026-10-11
” · “Sheraton Lisboa Hotel & Coliseu de Lisboa
Welcome
Best Sommelier of the World 2026
Lisbon is preparing to welcome professionals, experts, and opinion leaders from 72 countries in a unique experience celebrating the best of Portuguese wine, national gastronomy, and service excellence.
More than 3,500 industry professionals will gather for this historic edition, participating in an event that is simultaneously a high-level competition, an international meeting, and a cultural celebration.
Portugal opens its doors to the world, with full glasses, beautifully set tables, and a wine identity that speaks for itself.
Registered Nations
72
Competition Dates
October 11th – 17th 2026
LOCATION
Sheraton Lisboa Hotel & Coliseu de Lisboa
About the Competition
Lisbon Set to Welcome the Prestigious Best Sommelier of the World
Portugal will host the 18th edition of the ASI Contest Best Sommelier of the World 2026 in 2026.
Held every three years, the ASI Contest Best Sommelier of the World 2026 is the highest international sommelier competition, organized by the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI), in which the best sommelier in the world is distinguished.
It is a prestigious international competition that, since its creation, has played a crucial role in raising the sommelier profession to a level of global recognition.
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Competition Host
24843
The history of Portuguese viticulture is a legendary narrative spanning millennia, evolving from ancient Mediterranean roots into a dynamic modern industry. For centuries, Phoenicians, Greeks, and Romans cultivated vines across the Iberian Peninsula, laying the foundation for a wine culture deeply embedded in the nation’s identity. From the creation of the world’s first demarcated and regulated wine region in the Douro Valley in 1756 to the preservation of over 250 indigenous grape varieties, Portugal has consistently paired its rich heritage with a fierce commitment to distinct, terroir-driven winemaking.
The Foundation and Global Impact of the AEP
As Portuguese winemaking evolved, the need for professional excellence in wine service became paramount. Founded in 1972, the Associação dos Escanções de Portugal (AEP) stepped into this role, quickly becoming a cornerstone of the global sommelier community.
- Pioneering Member: AEP proudly stands as one of the oldest members of the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI).
- Cultural Landmark: Portugal’s deep respect for the profession is uniquely materialized in the city of Reguengos de Monsaraz, which features the world’s only public monument dedicated entirely to the Sommelier (Escanção).
- Rigorous Education: The association drives national industry standards through high-level technical training, masterclasses, and strict professional certifications.
Elevating the Profession into the Future
Today, the AEP bridges Portugal’s historic wine legacy with the global stage. By continuously adapting to modern gastronomic trends, the association ensures that Portuguese sommeliers are recognized worldwide for their technical expertise, blind-tasting proficiency, and deep understanding of global terroirs.
The ultimate testament to AEP’s global standing and organizational excellence will take place in 2026, as Lisbon prepares to host the prestigious ASI Best Sommelier of the World competition, welcoming the absolute pinnacle of global wine talent to Portuguese soil.
Host City
Wine Regions
Portugal is organized into 14 major wine regions (Indicações Geográficas Protegidas / Vinho Regional), which encompass 31 DOC (Denominação de Origem Controlada) zones and dozens of historic sub-regions. The main viticultural regions and their primary areas are as follows: [1, 2]
- Minho & Transmontano: Vinho Verde (including Amarante, Ave, Baião, Basto, Cávado, Lima, Monção e Melgaço, Paiva, and Sousa), Trás-os-Montes (Chaves, Valpaços, and Planalto Mirandês). [1, 2]
- Duriense & Terras de Císter: Douro (Baixo Corgo, Cima Corgo, and Douro Superior), Távora-Varosa. [1]
- Terras do Dão & Beira Atlântico: Dão (Alva, Besteiros, Castendo, Serra da Estrela, Silgueiros, Terras de Azurara, and Terras de Senhorim), Lafões, Bairrada. [1, 2]
- Terras da Beira & Tejo: Beira Interior (Castelo Rodrigo, Cova da Beira, and Pinhel), Do Tejo (Almeirim, Cartaxo, Chamusca, Coruche, Santarém, and Tomar). [1]
- Lisboa (The Host Region): Alenquer, Arruda, Bucelas, Carcavelos, Colares, Encostas de Aire, Lourinhã, Óbidos, and Torres Vedras. [1, 2, 3]
- Península de Setúbal & Alentejo: Setúbal, Palmela, Alentejo (Borba, Évora, Granja-Amareleja, Moura, Portalegre, Redondo, Reguengos, and Vidigueira). [1]
- Algarve: Lagoa, Lagos, Portimão, and Tavira.
- The Islands (Madeira & Azores): Madeira (Câmara de Lobos, São Vicente, and Santana), Azores (Pico, Graciosa, and Biscoitos).
Candidates
72 candidates from 65 countries
candidates representing nations from around the world.
Competition Venues
Lisbon 2026 - A Historic Edition
Join Us in
Lisbon
Be part of History
The most prestigious sommelier competition in the world. Register now to secure your place.