Top 100 sommeliers in Spain for 2025 announced with record female representation and regional diversity

The Top 100 Sommeliers Spain 2025 ranking was revealed on May 26, 2025, during a ceremony at the Four Seasons Hotel in Madrid. The event brought together leading figures from Spain’s hospitality and wine industries to honor the country’s most outstanding sommeliers. The annual list, organized by Top 100 Sommeliers, recognizes professionals who demonstrate excellence, deep knowledge, and dedication to the craft of wine service.

This year’s ceremony highlighted a significant shift in the Spanish sommelier landscape. For the first time, 23% of those selected were women, up from 18% in 2024. The data also showed that 75% of the recognized sommeliers work outside Madrid, compared to 54% last year. This points to a growing decentralization of talent and a broader representation of regions across Spain.

The selection process for the Top 100 Sommeliers is based on nominations from sommeliers and hospitality professionals throughout Spain. The evaluation uses objective criteria such as professional experience, academic background, daily responsibilities, achievements, and participation in national and international competitions. A scoring system ensures that the process remains rigorous and fair.

Gemma Vela Humanes, head sommelier at the Mandarin Oriental Ritz in Madrid, received the award for Best Female Sommelier. Special recognitions were also given in several categories. Mariano Rodríguez from Restaurante Arzak was named Top 100 Sommeliers Legend 2025. José Antonio Navarrete of Restaurante Quique Dacosta received the Inspiration Award.

The event also spotlighted emerging talent with the Top 5 Young Sommeliers awards. Winners included Adrián Ferrón (Restaurante Lera), Mario Martínez Plaza (Hotel La Zambra), Laura Moreira Fernández (Ajo Negro), Wilson Teixeiro Machado (Lasarte), and Cyril Vermuelen (El Celler de Can Roca).

In the category of Top 5 Female Sommeliers, Audrey Doré (El Celler de Can Roca), Sandra Isabel Lozano (Sin Mala Uva Wine Bar), Laura Tejero Oliu (Divinum), Sandra Rausell (Restaurante Carvón), and Gemma Vela were recognized for their contributions.

The “Ones to Watch” category highlighted promising professionals such as Celia Álvarez-Ossorio Plaza (Berria Wine Bar), Nancy Yolanda González Castillo (Ultramarinos Quintín), Maikel Rodríguez (Restaurante Iván Cerdeño), Laura Rodríguez (Tiempos Líquidos Wine Room), and Alberto Tejada Morris (Restaurante Askua).

The ceremony underscored the importance of recognizing both established experts and new voices in Spanish wine service. Attendees included top sommeliers, restaurateurs, and industry leaders who gathered to celebrate achievements and discuss trends shaping the future of wine hospitality in Spain. The event reinforced the value of ongoing education, diversity, and regional representation within the profession.