World's Best Sommeliers' Selection 2025 Highlights European Dominance

In a gathering of world-renowned sommeliers in the United Kingdom, the second edition of the World's Best Sommeliers' Selection drew more than thirty leading palates eager to identify notable bottles from across the globe. Producers from traditional and emerging regions submitted their finest wines, hoping to secure a coveted place in this influential annual compilation. The resulting lineup highlights Europe's ongoing dominance, with over half of the selected entries coming from that continent. Several countries, including France, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Hungary, and the Czech Republic, shared the spotlight, showcasing both historic categories and newer styles that gained praise from the expert tasting panel.

Italy emerged as the top contributor, securing 26 selected wines and reinforcing its stature as a global heavyweight. Most of Italy's highlights were reds, and bottles made from Nebbiolo particularly captured attention. Northern regions excelled, with Piedmont, Tuscany, and Trentino-Alto Adige reporting multiple entries, including a number of wines lauded for their notable structure and aging potential. At Marchesi di Barolo in Piedmont, a representative expressed delight that two Barolo wines had been chosen, underscoring how important it is for longstanding family estates to earn recognition before a jury known worldwide for its exacting standards. That sentiment was echoed by other key Italian producers who noted that being part of this international selection helps them maintain a place in an increasingly competitive market.

Spain also celebrated a successful outing, placing 14 wines from five different regions. Rioja reigned with six of the Spanish wines on the final list, while multiple producers from Catalonia secured spots alongside a strong showing for fortified wines from Jerez. Sommeliers highlighted a Tempranillo's depth and versatility, praising the care that went into its creation. A representative from one of the leading Rioja wineries mentioned how the annual selection process is a chance to demonstrate not only the craftsmanship and tradition behind each wine, but also the spirit of family and friendship that defines grape-picking season. Another Rioja estate that earned praise spoke of the opportunity to have their brand considered by the most reputable sommeliers, adding that such recognition furthers their commitment to quality in each bottle.

Portugal held strong with 10 wines selected, tying in numbers with France. Douro's native red varieties, including Touriga Franca and Touriga Nacional, made a striking impression, while Vinho Verde showed how its vibrant and refreshing profile continues to appeal to experts seeking styles that marry acidity with balance. A leading winemaker in Monção e Melgaço underscored the importance of context and attention to detail when crafting each bottle, emphasizing that feedback from sommeliers enriches the wines' gastronomic qualities and opens fresh opportunities for the brand on a global platform.

Other European countries also secured noteworthy positions. Germany saw two Rieslings stand out for their crisp structure and aromatic intensity. Austria, the Czech Republic, and Hungary were similarly present with select entries, and a winery from Georgia earned a distinctive honor with the only orange wine in the lineup, applauded for its intricate spice and pronounced texture. A Czech winemaker observed that inclusion in such a prestigious collection can help build broader awareness for their emerging region, reinforcing that they are consistently pushing quality boundaries.

The panel of sommeliers comprised experts from top-ranked restaurants featured in The World's 50 Best Restaurants 2024, joined by other beverage directors from around the globe. Presided over by a prominent New York sommelier who leads an esteemed restaurant recognized as Best in North America, the tasting looked beyond classical styles to celebrate diverse expressions. He noted that gathering so many specialists around one table allows producers to present the stories behind each vineyard, while raising the bar for what wine enthusiasts can expect in the coming year.

Organizers shared how the World's Best Sommeliers' Selection serves as both a celebration of wine artistry and an important trade resource, offering buyers and wine professionals a guide that goes beyond conventional grape varieties. The website at www.worldsbestsommeliersselection.com enables users to explore wines by terroir, seasonality, and suggested pairings. Proposals for next year's selection will open on February 26, and those who wish to participate must seek an invitation through the online registration system, reflecting the exclusive nature of this global showcase.