Andrea Martinisi, Ranked 6th in ASI Best Sommelier World Competition

Celia Hay

Congratulations to Andrea Martinisi, Ranked 6th in ASI Best Sommelier of the World Competition after 4 days of gruelling assessments.

'This has been a great journey, taking months of preparation and study. Now ranked at 6^th in the world, this the highest New Zealand has ever been placed, and even if I’m not a Kiwi by birth, I am honoured to be holding the New Zealand flag on the world stage.

This my 3^rd World Competition and I am so happy to have done better than in 2023 when I was ranked 8^th. NZ Sommeliers and Wine Professionals are a small organisation and do not have access to substantial sponsorship funds, to put into training that other top performing countries do.

The competition was really tough. The theory papers were particularly challenging, with topics ranging from obscure wine regions to advanced winemaking and viticulture techniques. It was also a fantastic opportunity to network, meet new people and catch up with old friends. These are always very emotional days.

This year, the calibre of candidates was the strongest that I’ve seen, which makes me even more proud of this achievement,' comments Andrea Martinisi.

ASI Best Sommelier Competition

At the Quarter Finals, over 2 days candidates from 66 countries competed to gain one of the 20 positions in the Semi-Final. The tasks included a 70 questions Theory Exam, Blind Tasting of 4 wines and 2 beverages, Practical Service and Problem-solving Scenario Question.

ASI Best Sommelier Semi-Finalists announced at Gardens of the Palace of Marquês de Pombal following a masterclass on the fortifed wines produced at their Estate, Villa Oeiras and visit to their vineyards and winery in Lisbon.