Finalists announced for 2022 Taittinger UK Sommelier of the Year

Twelve candidates have been selected to compete in the 2022 Taittinger UK Sommelier of the Year (SOTY) finals, following intense competition in the regional heats held on 25 April.

Organised by The Caterer and recognised by the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale, the competition is open to professional sommeliers and waiting staff working in the UK.

The 2022 Taittinger UK Sommelier of the Year finalists are:

1. Stefano Barbarino, Coravin Wine & Bubbles Bar
2. Christopher Parker, Wilding
3. Biagio Castaldo, Maison Estelle
4. Lorenzo Tonelli, Maison Estelle
5. Vincenzo Arnese, Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester
6. Philipp Reinstaller, Trivet
7. Rudina Arapi, London Hilton On Park Lane
8. Emma Denney, The Clove Club
9. Agnieszka Swiecka, The Five Fields Restaurant
10. Dion Wai, 67 Pall Mall
11. Elvis Ziakos, TILA
12. Gareth Ferreira, Clare Smyth

SOTY 2022 finalist Gareth Ferreira reached the final three in 2019, the last time that the award was held, prior to the onset of the pandemic.

Kevin McKee, UK director for headline sponsor Taittinger, said: "After such a traumatic few years it was a delight to see so many skilled and knowledgeable sommeliers join in to test their skills, all who entered are to be applauded for striving to be the very best they can in their chosen career.

“This year’s competition final is going to be a real battle of nerves on the day as the skill levels are just incredible. It has long been said that the UK has some of the best talent the world can offer with wine lists of such depth and range that it attracts the very best in the industry.

“This year we hope to host all 12 finalists in Reims ahead of the final to pass on some specific Champagne knowledge to aid in their ultimate success.”

This year’s competition included sommeliers from 18 nations all of whom work in the UK as well as 12 female sommeliers, a record number for Sommelier of the Year.

The competition’s sponsors include headline sponsor Taittinger as well as Berkmann Wine Cellars, Meiko, Reidel and FM&V.

To register your interest in attending the Taittinger UK Sommelier of the Year final at the Savoy on 18 July, please enter your details on the website.