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You are here: Home > News > Competitions

Competitions

Sommeliers Australia 2018 National Sommelier Selection Process

Monday, 1 October 2018

The ASI Best Sommelier of the World 2019 competition has recently been announced as taking place in Antwerp, Belgium, on 11-15 March 2019. Sommeliers Australia has the opportunity to send … Continued

2018 Vin de Champagne Awards – Applications Now Open

Thursday, 24 May 2018

The search for Australia’s ultimate Champagne brain!   The Vin de Champagne Awards seek to discover those Australians who are truly passionate about Champagne. It is the search for the ultimate … Continued

Ruinart Sommeliers Challenge 2018 – Applications now open

Tuesday, 16 January 2018

  Champagne Ruinart, together with Sommeliers Australia, is delighted to announce the 2018 Ruinart Sommeliers Challenge. Registrations for this exciting competition are open from 17 January until 28 February 2018.   The … Continued

Applications now open for 2018 Young Gun of Wine judging panel

Friday, 22 December 2017

Do you want to join the judging panel for 2018 Young Gun of Wine?? All current ‘Sommelier’ members of Sommeliers Australia are invited to apply for one available position on … Continued

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[VIC] Group Sommelier – edition Hospitality

Company: edition Hospitality

Following internal promotion and ongoing group expansion, an exciting and rare opportunity has become available for an exceptional wine professional to join edition Hospitality as our Group Sommelier. Based in … Continued

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[NSW] Sommelier Hunter St. Hospitality

Company: Hunter St. Hospitality

Hunter St. Hospitality are looking for a sommelier to join their team at The Argyle Stores. Best-In-Class Training via Hunter Street Academy at Your Fingertips Paid Community Service Leave | … Continued

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[NSW] Territory Manager City & Inner Suburbs | Imported Wine Specialist

Company: Young & Rashleigh Wine Merchants

Young & Rashleigh Wine Merchants Established in 1992, we are recognised as one of NSW/ACT’s premier fine wine distributors, working with some of the world’s most respected producers. We pride … Continued

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sommeliersaustralia

Not-for-profit association for Australian wine professionals.
#sommeliersaustralia
Find out more or book an event near you:

📣 Calling Melbourne Wine Professionals Step behin 📣 Calling Melbourne Wine Professionals

Step behind the judging bench and gain invaluable wine show experience as an Associate Judge at the 2026 Air Liquide Concours des Vins – The French-Victorian Wine Show @frenchvictorianwineshow_facci 

📍 Sofitel Melbourne on Collins
📅 Tuesday, 29 September 2026 (one day) 

This is a unique opportunity to:
✨ Learn alongside Chair of the Jury @sarahandrewwine and the expert judging panel
🍷 Gain behind-the-scenes insight into the wine show process
🤝 Expand your industry network
🥖Enjoy lunch and refreshments

To be eligible, you'll need to be a current Professional Member of Sommeliers Australia and have stewarding/associate judging experience or relevant wine qualifications (WSET Level 2, CMS Certified or above).

🔗 For more information and to read the full terms and conditions, follow the link in our bio

📩 Head to our website, apply via the online form and email your wine CV to info@sommeliers.com.au

⏰ Applications close 5:00pm AEST, Friday 31 July.
What a spectacular Saturday! ✨ Perth's Warriors What a spectacular Saturday! ✨ 

Perth's Warriors of Wine brought together an afternoon of great wine and unforgettable moments, and importantly celebrated the people who make this industry so special. 

Thank you to our Warriors @__alexanderking @edfarrellyy @lonnyebella who stepped up to pour sips, share stories and magic the room feel like magic. Congratulations Alex our 2026 Perth Warriors of Wine Champion 🏆 

📍 @baramelie_ 

🍾 @champagnepolroger @negociantsaustralia @samuelsmithandson 

Fortified wine @chambersrosewoodvineyards @cofieldwines @debortolirutherglen @joneswinery @morrisofrutherglen @pfeifferwines 

Glassware 🥂 @riedel_mark.baulderstone 

🧀 @calendar_cheese 

📸 @danieln_photo 

Our people 🤎 @fonitpollitt @trentdrinkswine @cannygrapes @sofiagiros @sophie.a_j.k @katiuzz @rahuulprasad @lapin_du_vin @mircot84 @mugslulu

Thank you to all our supporting partners.

@robertoatleywines @gibneycottesloe @maxallendrinks @winecompanion @cardwellcellars @1683wines @balthazarrestaurant @republic_of_fremantle @jacksonfamilywines @vincent.wine.6000 @corymbiawine @leeuwinestate @willsdomain @grape.and.grain @vassefelix @cullenwines mayfair @riedel_mark.baulderstone @fesqco 

Warriors Wines 🍷 
@dave_mullen_wines @sipofportugal_wines @bibendumwineco @enotecasydney @dwsaustralia @saint_wine @samuelsmithandson @sisyphosaustralia
Congratulations to Paolo Saccone MS @vinobypaolo_m Congratulations to Paolo Saccone MS @vinobypaolo_ms (LUCAS Restaurants, NSW @lucascollective), crowned the winner of the 2026 Sommelier Challenge: Finding Australia's Best Sommelier following an intense day of competition in Sydney.

Held high in Sydney Tower @infinitysydneytower Paolo impressed judges @sarahandrewwine @andres10aragon_ms @louthesomm across a series of rigorous theory, tasting and practical examinations, earning the honour of representing Australia at the 2026 ASI Best Sommelier of the World in Lisbon this October.

"I'm excited and honoured to be named Australia's Best Sommelier. The calibre of this year's group was incredibly high, and I'm ready for the task ahead in Portugal." – Paolo Saccone MS

A huge congratulations also to our outstanding finalists Isaac Pockney @ip_vino , Clotilde Candusso @clotilde_cdn, Justin Biskup @motosomm, and Charlie Richards @charlie.richards_  who each showcased their exceptional depth of sommelier talent and knowledge, solidifying their place in the final. 

Thank you to our Gold Partners Ruinart @ruinart, House of Arras @houseofarras, Jim Barry @jimbarrywines and Pewsey Vale @pewseyvalevineyard for making this competition possible and for their continued commitment to excellence in wine education and hospitality.

We would also like to thank @infinitysydneytower and @markbest for providing us an incredible space to hold the Sommelier Challenge. Thank you @antipodes_water as the official water sponsor to the Sommelier Challenge. 

Congratulations, Paolo—we can't wait to cheer you on as you represent Australia on the world stage!

📸 @isabellagwild 

Thank you @blendpr_ for your contributions to the 2026 Sommelier Challenge.
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