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What's News

Marc Almert – 2019 ASI Best Sommelier of the World

Tuesday, 19 March 2019

Antwerp, March 15 2019 At the end of a final round where the three top competitors had to show their knowledge of wine and talent for service and hospitality in … Continued

Ruinart Sommelier Challenge Top 25 finalists announced

Thursday, 14 March 2019

Champagne Ruinart and Sommeliers Australia are delighted to announce the 25 selected finalists to take part in the 2019 Ruinart Sommelier Challenge, to be held in Sydney on Monday, 18 March. The … Continued

ASI Best Sommelier of the World 2019 contest: Semi-Finalists revealed!

Thursday, 14 March 2019

Antwerp, March 12, 2019 After a first round of practical and technical tests that took place over two days, the semi-finalists who are still in the race for the title … Continued

ASI Best Sommelier of the World 2019 contest begins in Belgium

Tuesday, 12 March 2019

Antwerp, March 11, 2019 –Today marks the beginning of the most highly-awaited event in the sommelier world: the ASI Best Sommelier of the World contest, where 66 candidates from 63 countries … Continued

NZ Wine 2019 Sommelier Scholarship – A re-cap from over the Ditch

Thursday, 28 February 2019

Earlier this month, the Australian recipients of the New Zealand Wine Sommelier Scholarship returned from more than 10 days across the ditch on an intensive programme that included Sommit™, the … Continued

The Ruinart Sommelier Challenge returns in 2019 – applications now open

Monday, 7 January 2019

Champagne Ruinart and Sommeliers Australia are delighted to announce the 2019 Ruinart Sommelier Challenge to be held in Sydney on Monday, 18 March. Applicants will go in the running for … Continued

2019 ‘International ASI Sommelier Diploma’ Certification Exam to be held in Melbourne & Sydney

Tuesday, 18 December 2018

Certification from Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI) gives sommeliers the opportunity to be recognised worldwide as having a high level of knowledge and skills. Newly ASI certified sommeliers will … Continued

2018 National Sommelier Selection – the Winner is…

Thursday, 29 November 2018

On Tuesday 27 November, seven highly qualified Australian Sommeliers were assessed as part of the National Sommelier Selection Process: Banjo Harris Plane, Carlos Simoes, Cyril Thevenet, Loic Avril, Mattia Antonio … Continued

Japan’s Wataru Iwata is the Best Sommelier of Asia & Oceania 2018!

Friday, 19 October 2018

Kyoto, October 18, 2018 – Wataru Iwata from Japan became the ASI Best Sommelier of Asia & Oceania 2018, following a thrilling and hard-fought final that concluded three days of competition in … Continued

Announcing 2019 NZ Winegrowers Sommelier Scholarship Recipients

Thursday, 11 October 2018

New Zealand Winegrowers and Sommeliers Australia are pleased to announce the five successful sommeliers chosen to participate in the 2019 New Zealand Wine Sommeliers Scholarship.   Matthew Dunne, Solotel Emma … 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

Apply Now >

[VIC] Opening Team — Côte Basque (Trader House)

Company: Trader House

Join the Opening Team – Côte Basque (Trader House) Opening Late Winter | Crossley Street, Melbourne Trader House is opening its first Melbourne restaurant in six years. Located in the … Continued

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[VIC] Assistant Head Sommelier — Reine & La Rue

Company: Reine & La Rue

About Reine & La Rue Reine & La Rue is a two-hatted, modern French restaurant housed within Melbourne’s original Stock Exchange building on the corner of Queen & Collins Street. … Continued

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Introducing Paolo Saccone MS — Lucas Restaurants G Introducing Paolo Saccone MS — Lucas Restaurants Group

We are pleased to announce Paolo Saccone MS @vinobypaolo_ms as the final successful candidate in the 2026 Sommelier Challenge: Finding Australia’s Best Sommelier of the Year.

As Head of Beverage NSW for Lucas Collective @lucascollective, Paolo is widely respected for his dedication to hospitality, education, and excellence in service. Throughout his career, he has remained committed to continuous learning, mentorship, and elevating the sommelier profession within Australia.

"My journey in wine has always been driven by curiosity, hospitality, and the belief that wine has the power to create connection and memorable experiences. From working across restaurant floors to continuing to challenge myself through study and competition, every stage has shaped the way I approach sommellerie today.

Being selected as a finalist in the 2026 Sommelier Challenge is an incredible honour and an opportunity to represent the profession and collaborate alongside such talented peers. I’m especially grateful to have the support of Ruinart throughout this journey, a House that represents excellence, craftsmanship and a deep commitment to hospitality and wine culture. I’m excited for what’s ahead and proud to be part of this experience." —  Paolo Saccone MS

Paolo is backed by Gold Sponsor Ruinart @ruinart @moethennessy for the 2026 Sommelier Challenge. 

Speaking on behalf of Moët Hennessy Australia, Paul Tucker shared this:

"Ruinart is deeply proud to continue its long-running association with the sommelier community and, in 2026, with the Sommelier Challenge, Sommeliers Australia, and Paolo Saccone MS in his pursuit of becoming Australia’s Best Sommelier." — Paul Tucker, Moët Hennessy Australia 

Congratulations Paolo, thank you to Ruinart for their continued commitment to fostering excellence within the sommelier profession.
Introducing Justin Biskup — CARPE VINO We're plea Introducing Justin Biskup — CARPE VINO

We're pleased to announce Justin Biskup @motosomm as one of the incredible sommeliers selected for the 2026 Sommelier Challenge: Finding Australia's Best Sommelier of the Year. 

Justin is the founder of CARPE VINO @carpe_vino__  he is also currently working across high-level Melbourne restaurants while preparing for Master Sommelier. Justin joins the Sommelier Challenge with a passion for learning and a desire to further refine his craft alongside some of Australia’s leading sommeliers.

“My journey in wine has always been driven by curiosity, service, and the pursuit of constant improvement. To be selected for this opportunity is an honour, and I’m incredibly grateful to Sommeliers Australia and to Pewsey Vale for their support.” — Justin Biskup

We are delighted to announce Pewsey Vale @pewseyvalevineyard as Justin’s Gold Sponsor for the 2026 Sommelier Challenge.

“We feel privileged to partner with Sommeliers Australia and the extremely talented Justin on his journey in the 2026 Sommelier Challenge. We look forward to watching his progress alongside other world-class sommeliers of Australia.” —  Jack Glover, Pewsey Vale Vineyard

Congratulations Justin, and thank you to Pewsey Vale for investing in our Australian sommeliers and helping shape the future of excellence, education, and leadership within our industry.
Introducing Clotilde Candusso — Freyja Melbourne Introducing Clotilde Candusso — Freyja Melbourne

We're pleased to announce Clotilde Candusso @clotilde_cdn as one of the talented sommeliers selected for the 2026 Sommelier Challenge: Finding Australia's Best Sommelier of the Year.

Originally from Avignon in the south of France, Clotilde moved to Australia to explore its wine culture and quickly fell in love with the country's wine regions, people and stories. Since arriving, she has travelled extensively, visited wineries across the country, achieved her Advanced Sommelier certification through the Court of Master Sommeliers Oceania, and built a career creating thoughtful wine programs. Clotilde is currently the head sommelier at Melbournes Freyja @freyjamelbourne 

"I believe sustainable viticulture is essential to shaping the future of the wine industry. I'm excited to continue learning about wine, the people and cultures behind it, and sharing knowledge with other talented sommeliers." — Clotilde Candusso

Clotilde is supported by Gold Sponsor House of Arras @houseofarras for the 2026 Sommelier Challenge. 

"House of Arras is honoured to partner with Sommeliers Australia. We are equally passionate about the role that sommeliers play in building knowledge, advocacy and loyalty with consumers for Australian wine." — Danika Windrim, House of Arras

Congratulations to Clotilde, and thank you to House of Arras for sharing our vision, and for supporting the extraordinary sommelier talent that exists within Australia today.
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