{"id":5171,"date":"2023-02-09T16:10:43","date_gmt":"2023-02-09T16:10:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/top-100-sommeliers\/"},"modified":"2026-03-05T14:52:28","modified_gmt":"2026-03-05T14:52:28","slug":"top-100-sommeliers","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/nz\/top-100-sommeliers\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 100 Sommeliers"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wpb-content-wrapper\">[vc_row content_placement=&#8221;middle&#8221; column_spacing=&#8221;60&#8243; remove_bottom_col_margin=&#8221;true&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1677764697724{margin-bottom: 50px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1732789612359{background-image: url(https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/NZ-map_grey-block-30.png?id=5756) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: contain !important;}&#8221;]<h1 class=\"vcex-heading vcex-heading-plain vcex-module wpex-heading wpex-text-2xl wpex-h1\"><span class=\"vcex-heading-inner wpex-inline-block\">The search is on to find New Zealand's Top 100 Sommeliers.<\/span><\/h1>[vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1772721940619{margin-bottom: 20px !important;}&#8221;]\n<h3>The search is underway to find New Zealand&#8217;s top sommeliers, those who represent the very best in hospitality.<\/h3>\n<p>The <em>Louis Roederer Champagne Top 100 Sommeliers New Zealand 2026<\/em> will mark the 2nd annual list of talented wine professionals in the on-trade. A definitive guide to the best professionals working in hospitality and beverages service today.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/nz\/top-100-sommeliers\/nomination\/\">Nominations<\/a> are open now &#8211; join in to celebrate this vibrant and ever-changing industry.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: var(--wpex-heading-color); font-size: 20px; font-weight: var(--wpex-heading-font-weight);\">Applications for the <strong><em>Louis Roederer Champagne<\/em> <\/strong><\/span><em style=\"color: var(--wpex-heading-color); font-size: 20px; font-weight: var(--wpex-heading-font-weight);\">Top 100 Sommeliers NZ 2025<\/em><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong> open April 2026.<\/strong><\/span><b><\/b>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column css_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243; el_class=&#8221;se-spotlight se-spotlight&#8211;right se-spotlight&#8211;bg-navy&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1680711118734{margin-bottom: 20px !important;}&#8221;]<style>.vcex-image.vcex_69df40bf48633 .vcex-image-img{border-radius:var(--wpex-rounded-full);}<\/style><figure class=\"vcex-image vcex-module vcex_69df40bf48633\"><div class=\"vcex-image-inner wpex-relative wpex-inline-block\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"vcex-image-img wpex-align-middle wpex-shadow-2xl\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Roederer_NZ_Top100Sommeliers2025_vindigo-500x500.png\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Roederer_NZ_Top100Sommeliers2025_vindigo-500x500.png 500w, https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Roederer_NZ_Top100Sommeliers2025_vindigo-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Roederer_NZ_Top100Sommeliers2025_vindigo-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Roederer_NZ_Top100Sommeliers2025_vindigo-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Roederer_NZ_Top100Sommeliers2025_vindigo.png 1000w\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\"><\/div><\/figure>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=&#8221;12px&#8221;][vc_video link=&#8221;https:\/\/vimeo.com\/sommelieredit\/top100nz-2025&#8243; el_width=&#8221;50&#8243; el_aspect=&#8221;916&#8243; align=&#8221;center&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column]<div class=\"templatera_shortcode\"><div class=\"vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid wpex-relative\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">SPONSORED BY<\/h3>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"vc_row wpb_row vc_inner vc_row-fluid wpex-relative\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-3\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t<div  class=\"wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_ wpb_content_element\">\n\t\t\n\t\t<figure class=\"wpb_wrapper vc_figure\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/nz\/top-100-sommeliers\/sponsors\/grahams-port\/\" target=\"_self\" class=\"vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey\"><img width=\"500\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Grahams-Port.png\" class=\"vc_single_image-img attachment-full\" alt=\"\" title=\"Graham&#039;s Port\" srcset=\"https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Grahams-Port.png 500w, https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Grahams-Port-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Grahams-Port-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t<\/figure>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-3\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t<div  class=\"wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_ wpb_content_element\">\n\t\t\n\t\t<figure class=\"wpb_wrapper vc_figure\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/nz\/top-100-sommeliers\/sponsors\/negociants\/\" target=\"_self\" class=\"vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey\"><img width=\"500\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Negociants-NZ.png\" class=\"vc_single_image-img attachment-full\" alt=\"\" title=\"Negociants NZ\" srcset=\"https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Negociants-NZ.png 500w, https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Negociants-NZ-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Negociants-NZ-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t<\/figure>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-3\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t<div  class=\"wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_ wpb_content_element\">\n\t\t\n\t\t<figure class=\"wpb_wrapper vc_figure\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/nz\/top-100-sommeliers\/sponsors\/barton-guestier\/\" target=\"_self\" class=\"vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey\"><img width=\"500\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Barton-Guestier-1.png\" class=\"vc_single_image-img attachment-full\" alt=\"\" title=\"Barton Guestier (1)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Barton-Guestier-1.png 500w, https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Barton-Guestier-1-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Barton-Guestier-1-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t<\/figure>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-3\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t<div  class=\"wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_ wpb_content_element\">\n\t\t\n\t\t<figure class=\"wpb_wrapper vc_figure\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/nz\/top-100-sommeliers\/sponsors\/craggy-range\/\" target=\"_self\" class=\"vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey\"><img width=\"500\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Craggy-Range_sq_white-background.png\" class=\"vc_single_image-img attachment-full\" alt=\"\" title=\"Craggy Range_sq_white background\" srcset=\"https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Craggy-Range_sq_white-background.png 500w, https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Craggy-Range_sq_white-background-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Craggy-Range_sq_white-background-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t<\/figure>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=&#8221;stretch_row&#8221; content_placement=&#8221;middle&#8221;][vc_column]<div class=\"theme-button-wrap textcenter wpex-clr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/nz\/top-100-sommeliers\/nomination\/\" class=\"vcex-button theme-button large align-center inline\"><span class=\"vcex-button-inner theme-button-inner wpex-flex wpex-flex-wrap wpex-items-center wpex-justify-center\">Nominate a sommelier<\/span><\/a><\/div> [\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=&#8221;12px&#8221;][vc_row_inner equal_height=&#8221;yes&#8221; content_placement=&#8221;middle&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1712578486975{background-color: #263f59 !important;}&#8221;][vc_column_inner][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; text_align=&#8221;center&#8221; text_transform=&#8221;uppercase&#8221;]\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">2026 Category Awards<\/h2>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/5&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;6057&#8243; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221;][vc_empty_space height=&#8221;12px&#8221;][vc_column_text]\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">Top 5 Young Sommeliers<\/h3>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=&#8221;12px&#8221;][vc_column_text]\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">sponsored by<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=&#8221;7873&#8243; onclick=&#8221;custom_link&#8221; img_link_target=&#8221;_blank&#8221; link=&#8221;https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/nz\/top-100-sommeliers\/sponsors\/negociants\/&#8221;][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/5&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;6037&#8243; img_size=&#8221;500&#215;500&#8243; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221;][vc_empty_space height=&#8221;12px&#8221;][vc_column_text]\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">Top 5 Female Sommeliers<\/h3>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/5&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;6053&#8243; img_size=&#8221;500&#215;500&#8243; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221;][vc_empty_space height=&#8221;12px&#8221;][vc_column_text]\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">Top 5 Ones to Watch<\/h3>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=&#8221;12px&#8221;][vc_column_text]\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">sponsored by<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=&#8221;8576&#8243; onclick=&#8221;custom_link&#8221; img_link_target=&#8221;_blank&#8221; link=&#8221;https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/nz\/top-100-sommeliers\/sponsors\/craggy-range\/&#8221;][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/5&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;6045&#8243; img_size=&#8221;500&#215;500&#8243; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221;][vc_empty_space height=&#8221;12px&#8221;][vc_column_text]\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">Inspiration Award<\/h3>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=&#8221;12px&#8221;][vc_column_text]\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">sponsored by<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=&#8221;7831&#8243; onclick=&#8221;custom_link&#8221; img_link_target=&#8221;_blank&#8221; link=&#8221;https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/nz\/top-100-sommeliers\/sponsors\/grahams-port\/&#8221;][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/5&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;6049&#8243; img_size=&#8221;500&#215;500&#8243; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221;][vc_empty_space height=&#8221;12px&#8221;][vc_column_text]\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">Legend<br \/>\nAward<\/h3>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=&#8221;12px&#8221;][vc_column_text]\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">sponsored by<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=&#8221;8751&#8243; onclick=&#8221;custom_link&#8221; img_link_target=&#8221;_blank&#8221; link=&#8221;https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/nz\/top-100-sommeliers\/sponsors\/barton-guestier\/&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=&#8221;stretch_row&#8221; column_spacing=&#8221;20&#8243; remove_bottom_col_margin=&#8221;true&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1677772658033{margin-bottom: 40px !important;padding-top: 40px !important;padding-bottom: 40px !important;background-color: #678ca5 !important;}&#8221;][vc_column]<style>.vcex-heading.vcex_69df40bf553bd{color:#ffffff;font-size:var(--wpex-text-4xl);}<\/style><h2 class=\"vcex-heading vcex-heading-plain vcex-module wpex-heading wpex-text-2xl wpex-h2 wpex-text-center vcex_69df40bf553bd\"><span class=\"vcex-heading-inner wpex-inline-block\">How the Top 100 are selected?<\/span><\/h2>[vc_column_text text_align=&#8221;center&#8221; color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1747212121677{margin-bottom: 40px !important;}&#8221; font_size=&#8221;lg&#8221;]Led by New Zealand&#8217;s only Master Sommelier, Cameron Douglas, the team at Top 100 Sommeliers has over 40 years wine and restaurant industry experience and <span class=\"searchHighlight\">have<\/span> learnt a thing or two about what makes a top sommelier. We <span class=\"searchHighlight\">have<\/span> collated our knowledge, industry contacts and experience to discover the best sommeliers working in New Zealand restaurants today.<\/p>\n<p>Our database of working sommeliers*, is constantly being updated and we will continue to hone the list to find the best 100.<\/p>\n<p>And, we have developed a comprehensive and meritocratic criteria for selecting the <strong>Louis Roederer Champagne Top 100 Sommeliers,<\/strong> based on a unique points system.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243; el_class=&#8221;se-spotlight-vertical&#8221; offset=&#8221;vc_col-lg-3 vc_col-md-3&#8243;]<style>.vcex-image.vcex_69df40bf55bd4 .vcex-image-img{border-radius:var(--wpex-rounded-full);}<\/style><figure class=\"vcex-image vcex-module vcex_69df40bf55bd4\"><div class=\"vcex-image-inner wpex-relative wpex-inline-block vc_custom_1681225685905\"><img width=\"500\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/sommelier-badge.jpg\" class=\"vcex-image-img wpex-align-middle wpex-shadow-2xl\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/sommelier-badge.jpg 500w, https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/sommelier-badge-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/sommelier-badge-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/div><\/figure><style>.vcex-heading.vcex_69df40bf57997{color:#ffffff;font-size:var(--wpex-text-xl);}<\/style><h2 class=\"vcex-heading vcex-heading-plain vcex-module wpex-heading wpex-text-2xl wpex-h2 wpex-text-center vc_custom_1680777058010 vcex_69df40bf57997\"><span class=\"vcex-heading-inner wpex-inline-block\">Experience & Seniority<\/span><\/h2>[vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1680705944801{margin-bottom: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;}&#8221; color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; text_align=&#8221;center&#8221;]Candidates will be interviewed about their level of experience and their current seniority in the team.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243; el_class=&#8221;se-spotlight-vertical&#8221; offset=&#8221;vc_col-lg-3 vc_col-md-3&#8243;]<style>.vcex-image.vcex_69df40bf58175 .vcex-image-img{border-radius:var(--wpex-rounded-full);}<\/style><figure class=\"vcex-image vcex-module vcex_69df40bf58175\"><div class=\"vcex-image-inner wpex-relative wpex-inline-block vc_custom_1681225680235\"><img width=\"500\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Wine-glasses_mis-en-place.jpg\" class=\"vcex-image-img wpex-align-middle wpex-shadow-2xl\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Wine-glasses_mis-en-place.jpg 500w, https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Wine-glasses_mis-en-place-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Wine-glasses_mis-en-place-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/div><\/figure><style>.vcex-heading.vcex_69df40bf59abe{color:#ffffff;font-size:var(--wpex-text-xl);}<\/style><h2 class=\"vcex-heading vcex-heading-plain vcex-module wpex-heading wpex-text-2xl wpex-h2 wpex-text-center vc_custom_1680777113966 vcex_69df40bf59abe\"><span class=\"vcex-heading-inner wpex-inline-block\">Responsibility & Management<\/span><\/h2>[vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1680706156810{margin-bottom: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;}&#8221; color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; text_align=&#8221;center&#8221;]All applicants will be asked about their current responsibility and management experience.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243; el_class=&#8221;se-spotlight-vertical&#8221; offset=&#8221;vc_col-lg-3 vc_col-md-3&#8243;]<style>.vcex-image.vcex_69df40bf5a2b6 .vcex-image-img{border-radius:var(--wpex-rounded-full);}<\/style><figure class=\"vcex-image vcex-module vcex_69df40bf5a2b6\"><div class=\"vcex-image-inner wpex-relative wpex-inline-block vc_custom_1681225709319\"><img width=\"500\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Woman-sommelier-blind-pouring-wine.jpg\" class=\"vcex-image-img wpex-align-middle wpex-shadow-2xl\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Woman-sommelier-blind-pouring-wine.jpg 500w, https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Woman-sommelier-blind-pouring-wine-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Woman-sommelier-blind-pouring-wine-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/div><\/figure><style>.vcex-heading.vcex_69df40bf5bba5{color:#ffffff;font-size:var(--wpex-text-xl);}<\/style><h2 class=\"vcex-heading vcex-heading-plain vcex-module wpex-heading wpex-text-2xl wpex-h2 wpex-text-center vc_custom_1680777119913 vcex_69df40bf5bba5\"><span class=\"vcex-heading-inner wpex-inline-block\">Qualifications & Achievements<\/span><\/h2>[vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1681594903571{margin-bottom: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;}&#8221; color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; text_align=&#8221;center&#8221;]Achieving professional qualifications in service, tasting skills and wine knowledge will be reviewed.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243; el_class=&#8221;se-spotlight-vertical&#8221; offset=&#8221;vc_col-lg-3 vc_col-md-3&#8243;]<style>.vcex-image.vcex_69df40bf5c348 .vcex-image-img{border-radius:var(--wpex-rounded-full);}<\/style><figure class=\"vcex-image vcex-module vcex_69df40bf5c348\"><div class=\"vcex-image-inner wpex-relative wpex-inline-block vc_custom_1681725268918\"><img width=\"600\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/2-1.jpg\" class=\"vcex-image-img wpex-align-middle wpex-shadow-2xl\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/2-1.jpg 600w, https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/2-1-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/2-1-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/div><\/figure><style>.vcex-heading.vcex_69df40bf5dcd4{color:#ffffff;font-size:var(--wpex-text-xl);}<\/style><h2 class=\"vcex-heading vcex-heading-plain vcex-module wpex-heading wpex-text-2xl wpex-h2 wpex-text-center vc_custom_1681594647167 vcex_69df40bf5dcd4\"><span class=\"vcex-heading-inner wpex-inline-block\">Awards & Accolades<\/span><\/h2>[vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1681594687086{margin-bottom: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;}&#8221; color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; text_align=&#8221;center&#8221;]Taking part in sommelier competitions and winning wine list awards will also be accounted for and considered.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=&#8221;24px&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=&#8221;middle&#8221; column_spacing=&#8221;60&#8243; remove_bottom_col_margin=&#8221;true&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1677764697724{margin-bottom: 50px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1680771394557{margin-bottom: 20px !important;}&#8221;]\n<h3>An\u00a0additional\u00a0review by all the judges\u00a0will further assess:<\/h3>\n[\/vc_column_text]<style>.vcex-list_item.vcex_69df40bf5eb38{color:var(--wpex-palette-28-color);font-size:var(--wpex-text-lg);}.vcex-list_item.vcex_69df40bf5eb38 .vcex-list-item-icon-inner{color:var(--wpex-palette-28-color);font-size:var(--vcex-icon-normal);}<\/style><div class=\"vcex-list_item vcex-module wpex-m-0 wpex-max-w-100 wpex-mb-5 wpex-text-lg vcex_69df40bf5eb38\"><div class=\"vcex-list-item-inner wpex-inline-flex wpex-flex-no-wrap\"><div class=\"vcex-list-item-icon wpex-mr-10\"><div class=\"vcex-list-item-icon-inner vcex-icon-wrap wpex-inline-flex wpex-justify-center wpex-items-center wpex-leading-none wpex-child-inherit-color\"><span class=\"wpex-icon--w wpex-icon wpex-icon--bidi\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path d=\"M470.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L402.7 256 265.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160zm-352 160l160-160c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L210.7 256 73.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vcex-list-item-text vcex-content wpex-flex-grow\">Expert wine <strong>knowledge<\/strong> &#8211; achieved through qualifications and\/or experience<\/div><\/div><\/div><style>.vcex-list_item.vcex_69df40bf654b5{color:var(--wpex-palette-28-color);font-size:var(--wpex-text-lg);}.vcex-list_item.vcex_69df40bf654b5 .vcex-list-item-icon-inner{color:var(--wpex-palette-28-color);font-size:var(--vcex-icon-normal);}<\/style><div class=\"vcex-list_item vcex-module wpex-m-0 wpex-max-w-100 wpex-mb-5 wpex-text-lg vcex_69df40bf654b5\"><div class=\"vcex-list-item-inner wpex-inline-flex wpex-flex-no-wrap\"><div class=\"vcex-list-item-icon wpex-mr-10\"><div class=\"vcex-list-item-icon-inner vcex-icon-wrap wpex-inline-flex wpex-justify-center wpex-items-center wpex-leading-none wpex-child-inherit-color\"><span class=\"wpex-icon--w wpex-icon wpex-icon--bidi\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path d=\"M470.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L402.7 256 265.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160zm-352 160l160-160c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L210.7 256 73.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vcex-list-item-text vcex-content wpex-flex-grow\">Level of <strong>responsibility<\/strong> &#8211; cellar mastery, wine buying, list curation and staff management<\/div><\/div><\/div><style>.vcex-list_item.vcex_69df40bf65d4d{color:var(--wpex-palette-28-color);font-size:var(--wpex-text-lg);}.vcex-list_item.vcex_69df40bf65d4d .vcex-list-item-icon-inner{color:var(--wpex-palette-28-color);font-size:var(--vcex-icon-normal);}<\/style><div class=\"vcex-list_item vcex-module wpex-m-0 wpex-max-w-100 wpex-mb-5 wpex-text-lg vcex_69df40bf65d4d\"><div class=\"vcex-list-item-inner wpex-inline-flex wpex-flex-no-wrap\"><div class=\"vcex-list-item-icon wpex-mr-10\"><div class=\"vcex-list-item-icon-inner vcex-icon-wrap wpex-inline-flex wpex-justify-center wpex-items-center wpex-leading-none wpex-child-inherit-color\"><span class=\"wpex-icon--w wpex-icon wpex-icon--bidi\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path d=\"M470.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L402.7 256 265.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160zm-352 160l160-160c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L210.7 256 73.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vcex-list-item-text vcex-content wpex-flex-grow\">Working <strong>experience<\/strong> &#8211; length of time working in restaurants as a sommelier<\/div><\/div><\/div><style>.vcex-list_item.vcex_69df40bf66576{color:var(--wpex-palette-28-color);font-size:var(--wpex-text-lg);}.vcex-list_item.vcex_69df40bf66576 .vcex-list-item-icon-inner{color:var(--wpex-palette-28-color);font-size:var(--vcex-icon-normal);}<\/style><div class=\"vcex-list_item vcex-module wpex-m-0 wpex-max-w-100 wpex-mb-5 wpex-text-lg vcex_69df40bf66576\"><div class=\"vcex-list-item-inner wpex-inline-flex wpex-flex-no-wrap\"><div class=\"vcex-list-item-icon wpex-mr-10\"><div class=\"vcex-list-item-icon-inner vcex-icon-wrap wpex-inline-flex wpex-justify-center wpex-items-center wpex-leading-none wpex-child-inherit-color\"><span class=\"wpex-icon--w wpex-icon wpex-icon--bidi\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path d=\"M470.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L402.7 256 265.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160zm-352 160l160-160c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L210.7 256 73.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vcex-list-item-text vcex-content wpex-flex-grow\"><strong>Professionalism<\/strong> &#8211; proven excellence in customer service\/experience<\/div><\/div><\/div><style>.vcex-list_item.vcex_69df40bf66da8{color:var(--wpex-palette-28-color);font-size:var(--wpex-text-lg);}.vcex-list_item.vcex_69df40bf66da8 .vcex-list-item-icon-inner{color:var(--wpex-palette-28-color);font-size:var(--vcex-icon-normal);}<\/style><div class=\"vcex-list_item vcex-module wpex-m-0 wpex-max-w-100 wpex-mb-5 wpex-text-lg vcex_69df40bf66da8\"><div class=\"vcex-list-item-inner wpex-inline-flex wpex-flex-no-wrap\"><div class=\"vcex-list-item-icon wpex-mr-10\"><div class=\"vcex-list-item-icon-inner vcex-icon-wrap wpex-inline-flex wpex-justify-center wpex-items-center wpex-leading-none wpex-child-inherit-color\"><span class=\"wpex-icon--w wpex-icon wpex-icon--bidi\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path d=\"M470.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L402.7 256 265.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160zm-352 160l160-160c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L210.7 256 73.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vcex-list-item-text vcex-content wpex-flex-grow\">Industry <strong>endorsements<\/strong> &#8211; support quotes from peers<\/div><\/div><\/div><style>.vcex-list_item.vcex_69df40bf675b8{color:var(--wpex-palette-28-color);font-size:var(--wpex-text-lg);}.vcex-list_item.vcex_69df40bf675b8 .vcex-list-item-icon-inner{color:var(--wpex-palette-28-color);font-size:var(--vcex-icon-normal);}<\/style><div class=\"vcex-list_item vcex-module wpex-m-0 wpex-max-w-100 wpex-mb-5 wpex-text-lg vcex_69df40bf675b8\"><div class=\"vcex-list-item-inner wpex-inline-flex wpex-flex-no-wrap\"><div class=\"vcex-list-item-icon wpex-mr-10\"><div class=\"vcex-list-item-icon-inner vcex-icon-wrap wpex-inline-flex wpex-justify-center wpex-items-center wpex-leading-none wpex-child-inherit-color\"><span class=\"wpex-icon--w wpex-icon wpex-icon--bidi\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path d=\"M470.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L402.7 256 265.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160zm-352 160l160-160c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L210.7 256 73.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vcex-list-item-text vcex-content wpex-flex-grow\">Competition <strong>success<\/strong> &#8211; achievements over others<\/div><\/div><\/div>[\/vc_column][vc_column css_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243; el_class=&#8221;se-spotlight se-spotlight&#8211;right se-spotlight&#8211;bg-navy&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1680711118734{margin-bottom: 20px !important;}&#8221;]<style>.vcex-image.vcex_69df40bf67cb2 .vcex-image-img{border-radius:var(--wpex-rounded-full);}<\/style><figure class=\"vcex-image vcex-module vcex_69df40bf67cb2\"><div class=\"vcex-image-inner wpex-relative wpex-inline-block\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"vcex-image-img wpex-align-middle wpex-shadow-2xl\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Woman-sommelier-lapel-pins.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Woman-sommelier-lapel-pins.jpg 500w, https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Woman-sommelier-lapel-pins-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Woman-sommelier-lapel-pins-150x150.jpg 150w\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\"><\/div><\/figure>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=&#8221;stretch_row&#8221; content_placement=&#8221;middle&#8221;][vc_column]<div class=\"theme-button-wrap textcenter wpex-clr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/nz\/top-100-sommeliers\/application-form\/\" class=\"vcex-button theme-button large align-center inline\"><span class=\"vcex-button-inner theme-button-inner wpex-flex wpex-flex-wrap wpex-items-center wpex-justify-center\">Top 100 Sommeliers Application Form<\/span><\/a><\/div> [\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=&#8221;stretch_row&#8221; column_spacing=&#8221;20&#8243; equal_height=&#8221;yes&#8221; remove_bottom_col_margin=&#8221;true&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1684924004418{padding-top: 40px !important;background-color: #678ca5 !important;}&#8221; el_id=&#8221;judges&#8221;][vc_column]<style>.vcex-heading.vcex_69df40bf6c671{color:#ffffff;font-size:var(--wpex-text-4xl);}<\/style><h2 class=\"vcex-heading vcex-heading-plain vcex-module wpex-heading wpex-text-2xl wpex-h2 wpex-text-center vcex_69df40bf6c671\"><span class=\"vcex-heading-inner wpex-inline-block\">Judges<\/span><\/h2>[vc_column_text text_align=&#8221;center&#8221; color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1747212169547{margin-bottom: 40px !important;}&#8221; font_size=&#8221;lg&#8221;]For the inaugural <em>Louis Roederer Champagne Top 100 Sommeliers 2025<\/em> an illustrious panel of experts will judge the line up of outstanding sommeliers from around New Zealand.<\/p>\n<p>Each judge brings different expertise and views to scrutinise the entrants in order to establish the highest standards.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=&#8221;stretch_row&#8221; content_placement=&#8221;top&#8221; column_spacing=&#8221;20&#8243; equal_height=&#8221;yes&#8221; remove_bottom_col_margin=&#8221;true&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1739357298028{padding-top: 40px !important;padding-bottom: 40px !important;background-color: #678ca5 !important;}&#8221;][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243; el_class=&#8221;se-spotlight-vertical&#8221;]<style>.vcex-image.vcex_69df40bf6ced4 .vcex-image-img{border-radius:var(--wpex-rounded-full);}<\/style><figure class=\"vcex-image vcex-module vcex_69df40bf6ced4\"><div class=\"vcex-image-inner wpex-relative wpex-inline-block vc_custom_1732783471596\"><img width=\"1080\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Cameron-Douglas-MS-2.png\" class=\"vcex-image-img wpex-align-middle wpex-shadow-2xl\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Cameron-Douglas-MS-2.png 1080w, https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Cameron-Douglas-MS-2-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Cameron-Douglas-MS-2-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Cameron-Douglas-MS-2-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Cameron-Douglas-MS-2-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Cameron-Douglas-MS-2-400x400.png 400w, https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Cameron-Douglas-MS-2-600x600.png 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/><\/div><\/figure><style>.vcex-heading.vcex_69df40bf6e5ba{color:#ffffff;font-size:var(--wpex-text-lg);}<\/style><h2 class=\"vcex-heading vcex-heading-plain vcex-module wpex-heading wpex-text-2xl wpex-h2 wpex-text-center vc_custom_1732783219479 vcex_69df40bf6e5ba\"><span class=\"vcex-heading-inner wpex-inline-block\">Cameron Douglas MS<\/span><\/h2>[vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1739290571309{margin-bottom: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;}&#8221; color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; text_align=&#8221;center&#8221;]\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Master Sommelier<br \/>\nChair Judge<\/p>\n<p>Cameron is a true wine expert, with unmatched credentials and a passion for sharing his knowledge. As New Zealand\u2019s first Master Sommelier, he holds one of the rarest and toughest qualifications in the world. He\u2019s also an experienced wine writer, judge, presenter, and consultant, representing New Zealand wine globally. Cameron regularly teaches, travels, and judges wine across various continents, ensuring he stays connected to the industry. As an academic leader and consultant, he influences wine lists and pairings for top venues, both in New Zealand and internationally. His dedication to the craft has solidified his position as a key figure in the wine world.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243; el_class=&#8221;se-spotlight-vertical&#8221;]<style>.vcex-image.vcex_69df40bf6edbf .vcex-image-img{border-radius:var(--wpex-rounded-full);}<\/style><figure class=\"vcex-image vcex-module vcex_69df40bf6edbf\"><div class=\"vcex-image-inner wpex-relative wpex-inline-block vc_custom_1739185419441\"><img width=\"1080\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Candice-Chow.png\" class=\"vcex-image-img wpex-align-middle wpex-shadow-2xl\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Candice-Chow.png 1080w, https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Candice-Chow-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Candice-Chow-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Candice-Chow-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Candice-Chow-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Candice-Chow-400x400.png 400w, https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Candice-Chow-600x600.png 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/><\/div><\/figure><style>.vcex-heading.vcex_69df40bf70509{color:#ffffff;font-size:var(--wpex-text-lg);}<\/style><h2 class=\"vcex-heading vcex-heading-plain vcex-module wpex-heading wpex-text-2xl wpex-h2 wpex-text-center vc_custom_1739185436443 vcex_69df40bf70509\"><span class=\"vcex-heading-inner wpex-inline-block\">Candice Chow<\/span><\/h2>[vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1739357566501{margin-bottom: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;}&#8221; color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; text_align=&#8221;center&#8221;]Wine Reviewer<br \/>\nRaymond Chan Reviews<\/p>\n<p>Candice Chow is a passionate and accomplished sommelier with nearly two decades of experience in the hospitality industry. As the wine reviewer for Raymond Chan Reviews since 2020, Candice&#8217;s expertise and love for wine have earned her recognition in the industry. She has participated in prestigious programs such as the 50 Best &#8220;Somms of The World&#8221;, NZ\u00a0Winegrowers\u00a0Sommit Scholarship, and the Family Of Twelve Wine Tutorial.<\/p>\n<p>Recently, she was named one of the Top 50 Most Influential &amp; Inspiring Women in Food &amp; Drink in New Zealand for 2023. <a href=\"http:\/\/candicewinechat.com\/\">CandiceWineChat.com<\/a> was launched in June 2023.\u00a0Candice is also the chairperson of the Queenstown Sommeliers Club. She is in the process of completing the WSET Diploma.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=&#8221;stretch_row&#8221; content_placement=&#8221;middle&#8221; column_spacing=&#8221;20&#8243; equal_height=&#8221;yes&#8221; remove_bottom_col_margin=&#8221;true&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1739185859429{margin-bottom: 40px !important;padding-top: 40px !important;padding-bottom: 40px !important;background-color: #678ca5 !important;}&#8221;][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243; el_class=&#8221;se-spotlight-vertical&#8221;]<style>.vcex-image.vcex_69df40bf70ccb .vcex-image-img{border-radius:var(--wpex-rounded-full);}<\/style><figure class=\"vcex-image vcex-module vcex_69df40bf70ccb\"><div class=\"vcex-image-inner wpex-relative wpex-inline-block vc_custom_1739289667535\"><img width=\"1080\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Yvonne-Lorkin.png\" class=\"vcex-image-img wpex-align-middle wpex-shadow-2xl\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Yvonne-Lorkin.png 1080w, https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Yvonne-Lorkin-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Yvonne-Lorkin-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Yvonne-Lorkin-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Yvonne-Lorkin-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Yvonne-Lorkin-400x400.png 400w, https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Yvonne-Lorkin-600x600.png 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/><\/div><\/figure><style>.vcex-heading.vcex_69df40bf725cc{color:#ffffff;font-size:var(--wpex-text-lg);}<\/style><h2 class=\"vcex-heading vcex-heading-plain vcex-module wpex-heading wpex-text-2xl wpex-h2 wpex-text-center vc_custom_1739289687404 vcex_69df40bf725cc\"><span class=\"vcex-heading-inner wpex-inline-block\">Yvonne Lorkin<\/span><\/h2>[vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1739290325707{margin-bottom: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;}&#8221; color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; text_align=&#8221;center&#8221;]\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Co-founder &amp; Chief Tasting Officer<br \/>\nWineFriend<\/p>\n<p>Yvonne Lorkin is a respected wine writer based in Hawke\u2019s Bay, New Zealand. She is a founding member of the Wine Writers of NZ and serves as the Chief Tasting Officer of WineFriend, a wine subscription service she co-founded. Yvonne is also the wine and beverages editor for\u00a0<em>dish<\/em>\u00a0magazine. As an accomplished MC, she frequently hosts charity auctions, events, and tastings, and is a sought-after speaker for various groups and society meetings. She is the host and producer of the TV show\u00a0<em>Thirsty Work<\/em>\u00a0and has contributed to several media outlets, including\u00a0<em>CANVAS<\/em>\u00a0and Radio New Zealand. A senior judge at numerous wine competitions, Yvonne is also the author of\u00a0<em>The Really Sticky Grubby Lolly<\/em>, a children&#8217;s book. She holds top honours from Adelaide University\u2019s renowned Wine Marketing Diploma Programme and has played an instrumental role in launching and revitalising wine brands through strategic PR, branding, and copywriting. She is passionate about wine education and regularly hosts workshops and tastings for private groups.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=&#8221;middle&#8221;][vc_column]<div class=\"theme-button-wrap textcenter wpex-clr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/nz\/top-100-sommeliers\/application-form\/\" class=\"vcex-button theme-button large align-center inline\"><span class=\"vcex-button-inner theme-button-inner wpex-flex wpex-flex-wrap wpex-items-center wpex-justify-center\">Top 100 Sommeliers Application Form<\/span><\/a><\/div> [\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n<blockquote><p>The sign of a great restaurant is not just the food, the experience, the ambience, it also rests with the calibre of the person who serves your wine.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>The job of a sommelier is not just about knowledge, it\u2019s about the wine expert\u2019s ability to gauge how much the customer wants to pay, getting the tone right, perhaps moving them away from staff choice to something more exciting, challenging but just right at the same time.<\/p>\n<p>A sommelier is the person who uses their expertise to enable you to choose a wine to go with the food you are soon going to eat.<\/p>\n<p>We have surveyed industry experts from around New Zealand and the general consensus is that what makes a good sommelier is the ability to distil all their knowledge into accessible, bite-sized chunks of information to sell, entice and engage all at the same time.<\/p>\n<p>It takes skill, knowledge, and tenacity to pitch it just right. In just 30 seconds professionals need to be able to measure the level of spend and style of wine without intruding or overcompensating. A juggling act, a talent, a professionalism that can make or break the whole dining experience.<\/p>\n<p>The <em>Louis Roederer Champagne <strong>Top 100 Sommeliers<\/strong><\/em> is a countdown of the very best sommeliers from around NZ\u2019s best restaurants, the people who bring wine alive and excel at every level of service and knowledge. Over the past months we have called for nominations, gathering together a list of the best to be assessed and evaluated by our panel of judges to find the <em><strong>Top 100 Sommeliers<\/strong><\/em>.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column]<div class=\"templatera_shortcode\"><style type=\"text\/css\" data-type=\"vc_shortcodes-custom-css\">.vc_custom_1680789841254{margin-bottom: 25px !important;padding-top: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;background-color: #263f59 !important;border-radius: 25px !important;}.vc_custom_1681372922896{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}<\/style><div class=\"vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid wpex-relative no-bottom-margins\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"vc_row wpb_row vc_inner vc_row-fluid vc_custom_1680789841254 vc_row-o-content-middle vc_row-flex wpex-relative wpex-vc_row-has-fill wpex-vc-reset-negative-margin\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><style>.vcex-heading.vcex_69df40bf771b5{color:#ffffff;}<\/style><h2 class=\"vcex-heading vcex-heading-plain vcex-module wpex-heading wpex-text-2xl wpex-h2 wpex-mb-0 wpex-text-center vc_custom_1681372922896 vcex_69df40bf771b5\"><span class=\"vcex-heading-inner wpex-inline-block\">Latest From Sommelier Edit<\/span><\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"se-news-filter\" class=\"wpex-post-cards wpex-post-cards-template_1197 wpex-relative\"  data-vcex-class=\"Wpex_Post_Cards_Shortcode\" data-vcex-atts=\"{&quot;card_style&quot;:&quot;template_1197&quot;,&quot;entry_count&quot;:0,&quot;featured_style&quot;:&quot;template_1238&quot;,&quot;grid_columns_responsive_settings&quot;:&quot;tl:3|tp:3|pl:2|pp:1&quot;,&quot;posts_per_page&quot;:&quot;3&quot;,&quot;running_count&quot;:3,&quot;unique_id&quot;:&quot;se-news-filter&quot;,&quot;nonce&quot;:&quot;1aaa5ae2df&quot;}\" data-vcex-current-page=\"1\" aria-live=\"polite\" aria-relevant=\"additions removals\" data-vcex-max-pages=\"0\"><div class=\"wpex-post-cards-inner\"><div class=\"wpex-post-cards-loop wpex-post-cards-grid wpex-row wpex-clr\"><div class=\"wpex-post-cards-entry col col-1 span_1_of_3 span_1_of_3_tl span_1_of_3_tp span_1_of_2_pl span_1_of_1_pp post-14617 type-post cat-137 cat-135 cat-347 cat-264 post_tag-794 post_tag-793 post_tag-255 post_tag-795 post_tag-257 translation_priority-60\"><div class=\"wpex-card wpex-card-template_1197\"><style>.vc_custom_1744027430991{margin-right: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}.vc_custom_1744033572967{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: #678ca5 !important;border-radius: 20px !important;}.vc_custom_1744033679499{padding-right: 5px !important;padding-left: 5px !important;}<\/style><a href=\"https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/nz\/rethinking-rose-bias-blind-spots-and-better-tasting\/\" aria-label=\"Rethinking Ros\u00e9: Bias, Blind Spots and Better Tasting\" class=\"wpex-card-inner wpex-no-underline wpex-inherit-color\"><div class=\"vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid wpex-relative\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner wpex-shadow-none\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><style>.vcex-image.vcex_69df40bf868cb .vcex-image-img{border-radius:20px;}<\/style><figure class=\"vcex-image vcex-module top-border-radius-25 vcex_69df40bf868cb\"><div class=\"vcex-image-inner wpex-relative wpex-inline-block vc_custom_1744027430991\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"vcex-image-img wpex-align-middle\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC01164_rs-600x400.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC01164_rs-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC01164_rs-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC01164_rs.jpg 690w\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\"><\/div><\/figure><div class=\"vc_row wpb_row vc_inner vc_row-fluid vc_custom_1744033572967 wpex-relative wpex-vc_row-has-fill no-bottom-margins wpex-vc-reset-negative-margin\"><div class=\"wpb_column blog-card-mh-270 vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner vc_custom_1744033679499\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><h3 class=\"vcex-heading vcex-heading-plain vcex-module wpex-heading wpex-text-2xl wpex-h3\"><span class=\"vcex-heading-inner wpex-inline-block\">Rethinking Ros\u00e9: Bias, Blind Spots and Better Tasting<\/span><\/h3><style>.vcex-post-excerpt.vcex_69df40bf8990e{color:#ffffff;}<\/style><div class=\"vcex-post-excerpt vcex-module wpex-text-pretty wpex-last-mb-0 vcex_69df40bf8990e\"><p>Whispering Angel can provoke debate amongst sommeliers. Bertrand L\u00e9on, winemaker&hellip;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wpex-post-cards-entry col col-2 span_1_of_3 span_1_of_3_tl span_1_of_3_tp span_1_of_2_pl span_1_of_1_pp post-14356 type-post cat-114 cat-531 cat-128 post_tag-791 post_tag-792 post_tag-790 translation_priority-60\"><div class=\"wpex-card wpex-card-template_1197\"><a href=\"https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/nz\/the-unstoppable-tara-ozols\/\" aria-label=\"The unstoppable Tara Ozols on her joyful approach to wine\" class=\"wpex-card-inner wpex-no-underline wpex-inherit-color\"><div class=\"vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid wpex-relative\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner wpex-shadow-none\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><style>.vcex-image.vcex_69df40bf8cae0 .vcex-image-img{border-radius:20px;}<\/style><figure class=\"vcex-image vcex-module top-border-radius-25 vcex_69df40bf8cae0\"><div class=\"vcex-image-inner wpex-relative wpex-inline-block vc_custom_1744027430991\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"vcex-image-img wpex-align-middle\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Tara-Ozols-1-resized-e1776070790401-600x389.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"389\"><\/div><\/figure><div class=\"vc_row wpb_row vc_inner vc_row-fluid vc_custom_1744033572967 wpex-relative wpex-vc_row-has-fill no-bottom-margins wpex-vc-reset-negative-margin\"><div class=\"wpb_column blog-card-mh-270 vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner vc_custom_1744033679499\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><h3 class=\"vcex-heading vcex-heading-plain vcex-module wpex-heading wpex-text-2xl wpex-h3\"><span class=\"vcex-heading-inner wpex-inline-block\">The unstoppable Tara Ozols on her joyful approach to wine<\/span><\/h3><style>.vcex-post-excerpt.vcex_69df40bf8f4f9{color:#ffffff;}<\/style><div class=\"vcex-post-excerpt vcex-module wpex-text-pretty wpex-last-mb-0 vcex_69df40bf8f4f9\"><p>When Tara Ozols moved to London from New York City&hellip;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wpex-post-cards-entry col col-3 span_1_of_3 span_1_of_3_tl span_1_of_3_tp span_1_of_2_pl span_1_of_1_pp post-14374 type-post cat-140 cat-1 cat-342 cat-135 post_tag-37 post_tag-788 post_tag-789 post_tag-316 translation_priority-60\"><div class=\"wpex-card wpex-card-template_1197\"><a href=\"https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/nz\/suntory-dojo-2026\/\" aria-label=\"Applications Open: Suntory DOJO 2026\" class=\"wpex-card-inner wpex-no-underline wpex-inherit-color\"><div class=\"vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid wpex-relative\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner wpex-shadow-none\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><style>.vcex-image.vcex_69df40bf9223c .vcex-image-img{border-radius:20px;}<\/style><figure class=\"vcex-image vcex-module top-border-radius-25 vcex_69df40bf9223c\"><div class=\"vcex-image-inner wpex-relative wpex-inline-block vc_custom_1744027430991\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"vcex-image-img wpex-align-middle\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC04112-2-600x400.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC04112-2-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC04112-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC04112-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC04112-2.jpg 980w\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\"><\/div><\/figure><div class=\"vc_row wpb_row vc_inner vc_row-fluid vc_custom_1744033572967 wpex-relative wpex-vc_row-has-fill no-bottom-margins wpex-vc-reset-negative-margin\"><div class=\"wpb_column blog-card-mh-270 vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner vc_custom_1744033679499\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><h3 class=\"vcex-heading vcex-heading-plain vcex-module wpex-heading wpex-text-2xl wpex-h3\"><span class=\"vcex-heading-inner wpex-inline-block\">Applications Open: Suntory DOJO 2026<\/span><\/h3><style>.vcex-post-excerpt.vcex_69df40bf94c33{color:#ffffff;}<\/style><div class=\"vcex-post-excerpt vcex-module wpex-text-pretty wpex-last-mb-0 vcex_69df40bf94c33\"><p>UK bartenders invited into the Art of Japanese Craft House&hellip;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vcex-ajax-loader wpex-hidden wpex-absolute wpex-inset-0 wpex-items-center wpex-justify-center\"><span class=\"vcex-ajax-loader__overlay wpex-absolute wpex-inset-0 wpex-surface-1 wpex-opacity-60 wpex-z-10\"><\/span><div class=\"vcex-ajax-loader__icon wpex-relative wpex-z-20\"><svg height=\"30\" width=\"30\" class=\"wpex-animate-spin wpex-opacity-5\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" fill=\"currentColor\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M8 3a5 5 0 1 0 4.546 2.914.5.5 0 0 1 .908-.417A6 6 0 1 1 8 2z\"\/><path d=\"M8 4.466V.534a.25.25 0 0 1 .41-.192l2.36 1.966c.12.1.12.284 0 .384L8.41 4.658A.25.25 0 0 1 8 4.466\"\/><\/svg><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column]<div class=\"templatera_shortcode\"><div class=\"vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid wpex-relative\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">SPONSORED BY<\/h3>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"vc_row wpb_row vc_inner vc_row-fluid wpex-relative\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-3\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t<div  class=\"wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_ wpb_content_element\">\n\t\t\n\t\t<figure class=\"wpb_wrapper vc_figure\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/nz\/top-100-sommeliers\/sponsors\/grahams-port\/\" target=\"_self\" class=\"vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey\"><img width=\"500\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Grahams-Port.png\" class=\"vc_single_image-img attachment-full\" alt=\"\" title=\"Graham&#039;s Port\" srcset=\"https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Grahams-Port.png 500w, https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Grahams-Port-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Grahams-Port-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t<\/figure>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-3\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t<div  class=\"wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_ wpb_content_element\">\n\t\t\n\t\t<figure class=\"wpb_wrapper vc_figure\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/nz\/top-100-sommeliers\/sponsors\/negociants\/\" target=\"_self\" class=\"vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey\"><img width=\"500\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Negociants-NZ.png\" class=\"vc_single_image-img attachment-full\" alt=\"\" title=\"Negociants NZ\" srcset=\"https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Negociants-NZ.png 500w, https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Negociants-NZ-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Negociants-NZ-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t<\/figure>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-3\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t<div  class=\"wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_ wpb_content_element\">\n\t\t\n\t\t<figure class=\"wpb_wrapper vc_figure\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/nz\/top-100-sommeliers\/sponsors\/barton-guestier\/\" target=\"_self\" class=\"vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey\"><img width=\"500\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Barton-Guestier-1.png\" class=\"vc_single_image-img attachment-full\" alt=\"\" title=\"Barton Guestier (1)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Barton-Guestier-1.png 500w, https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Barton-Guestier-1-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Barton-Guestier-1-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t<\/figure>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-3\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t<div  class=\"wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_ wpb_content_element\">\n\t\t\n\t\t<figure class=\"wpb_wrapper vc_figure\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/nz\/top-100-sommeliers\/sponsors\/craggy-range\/\" target=\"_self\" class=\"vc_single_image-wrapper   vc_box_border_grey\"><img width=\"500\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Craggy-Range_sq_white-background.png\" class=\"vc_single_image-img attachment-full\" alt=\"\" title=\"Craggy Range_sq_white background\" srcset=\"https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Craggy-Range_sq_white-background.png 500w, https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Craggy-Range_sq_white-background-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Craggy-Range_sq_white-background-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t<\/figure>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row]\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"UK bartenders invited into the Art of Japanese Craft House of Suntory, the founding house of Japanese Whisky, has opened applications for its 2026 Suntory DOJO programme. Twenty bartenders from&hellip;","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-5171","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","entry","has-media"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Top 100 Sommeliers | Sommelier Edit<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The search is on to find the Top 100 Sommeliers working across New Zealand. Expert judges will scrutinise all application, announcing the winners in summer 2026.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"noindex, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Top 100 Sommeliers | Sommelier Edit\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"The search is on to find the Top 100 Sommeliers working across New Zealand. Expert judges will scrutinise all application, announcing the winners in summer 2026.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/nz\/top-100-sommeliers\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Sommelier Edit\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sommelieredit\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-03-05T14:52:28+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/sommelier-edit-logo-og.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"630\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@SommelierEdit\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"7 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/main.sommelieredit.com\\\/nz\\\/top-100-sommeliers\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/main.sommelieredit.com\\\/nz\\\/top-100-sommeliers\\\/\",\"name\":\"Top 100 Sommeliers | Sommelier Edit\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/main.sommelieredit.com\\\/#website\"},\"datePublished\":\"2023-02-09T16:10:43+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-03-05T14:52:28+00:00\",\"description\":\"The search is on to find the Top 100 Sommeliers working across New Zealand. Expert judges will scrutinise all application, announcing the winners in summer 2026.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/main.sommelieredit.com\\\/nz\\\/top-100-sommeliers\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-NZ\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/main.sommelieredit.com\\\/nz\\\/top-100-sommeliers\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/main.sommelieredit.com\\\/nz\\\/top-100-sommeliers\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/main.sommelieredit.com\\\/nz\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Top 100 Sommeliers\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/main.sommelieredit.com\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/main.sommelieredit.com\\\/\",\"name\":\"Sommelier Edit\",\"description\":\"\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/main.sommelieredit.com\\\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/main.sommelieredit.com\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-NZ\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/main.sommelieredit.com\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Sommelier Edit\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/main.sommelieredit.com\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-NZ\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/main.sommelieredit.com\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/main.sommelieredit.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/sommelier-edit-logo-og.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/main.sommelieredit.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/sommelier-edit-logo-og.png\",\"width\":1200,\"height\":630,\"caption\":\"Sommelier Edit\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/main.sommelieredit.com\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/sommelieredit\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/x.com\\\/SommelierEdit\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/sommelieredit\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.linkedin.com\\\/company\\\/sommelier-edit\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/vimeo.com\\\/sommelieredit\"]}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Top 100 Sommeliers | Sommelier Edit","description":"The search is on to find the Top 100 Sommeliers working across New Zealand. Expert judges will scrutinise all application, announcing the winners in summer 2026.","robots":{"index":"noindex","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Top 100 Sommeliers | Sommelier Edit","og_description":"The search is on to find the Top 100 Sommeliers working across New Zealand. Expert judges will scrutinise all application, announcing the winners in summer 2026.","og_url":"https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/nz\/top-100-sommeliers\/","og_site_name":"Sommelier Edit","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sommelieredit\/","article_modified_time":"2026-03-05T14:52:28+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1200,"height":630,"url":"https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/sommelier-edit-logo-og.png","type":"image\/png"}],"twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_site":"@SommelierEdit","twitter_misc":{"Est. reading time":"7 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/nz\/top-100-sommeliers\/","url":"https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/nz\/top-100-sommeliers\/","name":"Top 100 Sommeliers | Sommelier Edit","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/#website"},"datePublished":"2023-02-09T16:10:43+00:00","dateModified":"2026-03-05T14:52:28+00:00","description":"The search is on to find the Top 100 Sommeliers working across New Zealand. Expert judges will scrutinise all application, announcing the winners in summer 2026.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/nz\/top-100-sommeliers\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-NZ","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/nz\/top-100-sommeliers\/"]}]},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/nz\/top-100-sommeliers\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/nz\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Top 100 Sommeliers"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/#website","url":"https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/","name":"Sommelier Edit","description":"","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-NZ"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/#organization","name":"Sommelier Edit","url":"https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-NZ","@id":"https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/sommelier-edit-logo-og.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/sommelier-edit-logo-og.png","width":1200,"height":630,"caption":"Sommelier Edit"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sommelieredit\/","https:\/\/x.com\/SommelierEdit","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/sommelieredit\/","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/sommelier-edit\/","https:\/\/vimeo.com\/sommelieredit"]}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5171","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5171"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5171\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/main.sommelieredit.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5171"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}