NZ Sommeliers Newsletter 05 August

Rachel Nui

NZ Sommelier of Year Marek + NZ Junior Sommelier Hugo

Hello everyone,

We are delighted to announce that Wellington-based sommelier Marek Przyborek has won New Zealand Sommelier of the Year 2026. Hugo Adenot becomes New Zealand Junior Sommelier of the Year 2026.

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 , this high profile event in Marlborough 2-4 February 2027.

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

'After completing a Bachelor’s degree in Economics in York, UK, I decided to make a complete change and move to New Zealand to pursue a career in hospitality. Spending my days behind a desk just wasn’t for me.

New Zealand welcomed me with open arms. Even with my broken English, I managed to land a job on my second day. I started at Baduzzi, where I met Andrea Martinisi. His passion for wine was infectious, and his generosity in sharing his knowledge sparked my own curiosity. Before long, wine had become a real passion,' says Hugo.
Hugo wins at trip to Queenstown to attend the New Zealand Organic Winegrowers Conference in 2027.

On our committee side, all members who were up for re-election were elected unopposed and the one vacancy has been taken by Larissa Muller of Palate Restaurant, Hamilton. We are delighted to welcome Larissa on to the committee.

Many thanks to Franck Laruelle for his professional service and to Chef Steve and NZ School of Food and Wine Cookery students for preparing delicious canapés and and out standing dinner.

Look here to see more Competition Photos or scroll down for the links.

With best wishes

Celia Hay

Blind Tasting Competition

Our 7 groups of enthusiastic blind wine tasters evaluated 8 wines – 5 questions per wine - with high-level analysis, discussion and humour…

1^st The Furmints

Sommelier awards candidates: Hugo Adenot, Balazs Bozsolik (just in from Hungary), Hailie Robinson (flying in from Wellington), Weier Ha (just in from China)

2^nd Derrick Liu and friends (previous winners)

3^rd Sip Happens: Helen and the Wine Searchers: Felipe, Patrick (previous winners)

Click here to see more photos and the wines.