Marek Przyborek wins NZ Sommelier 2026

Celia Hay

Congratulation to Marek Przyborek, winner of the New Zealand Sommelier of the Year 2026 and Hugo Adenot, winner of the New Zealand Junior Sommelier of the Year 2026.

Held on 2 August at the New Zealand School of Food and Wine in Auckland's Viaduct, this prestigious competition attracts hospitality professionals from across the country who are eager to test their knowledge, technical ability and service skills.

Originally from Poland, Marek has lived in New Zealand for nearly a decade working in Auckland and Queenstown. He previously won the New Zealand Sommelier 2018. Currently, Marek works at Noble Rot Wine Bar, Wellington.

‘I enjoy the excitement and challenge of these competitions because they push you to test your knowledge across a broad range of subjects. The practical tastings and service tasks demand quick thinking and the ability to complete a series of tasks within strict time limits.

I've certainly benefited from competing internationally in Europe and Asia, made possible through New Zealand's membership of ASI Association of Sommeliers International,' says Marek.

Marek wins a place at New Zealand Winegrower Sommit taking place in Waitaki Valley 22-23 January 2027 joining an international cohort of sommeliers. He will then attend Sauvignon Blanc New Zealand 2027 in Marlborough 2-4 February 2027.

Hugo Adenot becomes New Zealand Junior Sommelier of the Year. Originally from France, Hugo has been working in Auckland for some time and is working at Ground Wine Bar.

Hugo wins at trip to Queenstown to attend the New Zealand Organic Winegrowers Conference in 2027.

Programme

In a full day with a series of intensive tasks, the competition unfolded:

Blind tasting: 1 white, 2 red + 1: Millton Chenin Blanc, Man O’War Dreadnaught Syrah, Piron Beaujolais AOC + RTD - to keep them on their game…
Written theory exam
Service Practical - service and optional decanting of Vinoptima Gewürztraminer 2011, a library wine perfect to pair with a tasting menu from Hello Beasty
Blind spirits tasting with a cocktail question.

Competition Beverages

Written theory exam

Joao service

Balazs presents

Joe decants

Marek pours for judges

Joao pouring

Marek pouring

Miguel pouring

Blind tasting

Blind Tasting

Andrea and Karen taste wine

Stefan

Karen Fistonich

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NZ Sommeliers AGM

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Blind Tasting Competition with 7 teams

Three finalists were selected based on the scores achieved to compete the final tasks in front of the audience:

Faults in a winelist
Famous Faces Slides (also for the audience)- identify the movers and shakers
Precision Pouring with Villa Maria Reserve Methode Traditionnelle NV

Famous Faces

Precision Pouring with Villa Maria Methode Traditonelle - Precision Pouring Wine

The Junior Somms had their own assessments.

Blind tasting: 1 white, 1 red: Millton Chenin Blanc, Man O’War Dreadnaught Syrah
Written theory exam – with focus on New Zealand wines
Service Practical:

We’ve just arrived in New Zealand and are excited to try your world-famous Sauvignon Blanc. We’d like a bottle of Greywacke Sauvignon Blanc;

Please present and serve the wine, then recommend one dish featuring local ingredients for me and one vegan dish for my friend, both to complement the wine.

You have 5 minutes to complete the task.