Industry leaders have gathered to determine the World's Best Sommeliers' Selection for 2026, comprising representatives from 17 countries.
In a global celebration of wine excellence, the world's most discerning palates came together to judge the third edition of World's Best Sommeliers' Selection. Leading sommeliers from 17 countries across six continents gathered to taste, debate and determine the standout wines of the year.
The panel were invited from the global network within The World's 50 Best Restaurants, and led by Kristell Monot, President of the World's Best Sommeliers' Selection 2026, and Head Sommelier at Mugaritz, ranked No.87 in The World's 50 Best Restaurants 2025. The sommeliers' final selection features 115 wines from 16 countries and spans every colour, style and expression, offering a trusted benchmark that showcases everything from timeless icons to exciting new voices shaping the future of wine.
"We're thrilled to bring the World's Best Sommeliers' Selection back for 2026. Featuring more than 100 wines from 16 countries, the final line-up reflects the incredible diversity of the global wine landscape, from revered classics to bold new voices in winemaking. The selection remains a trusted benchmark for on-trade professionals worldwide, and we're proud to provide this platform where the world's most talented sommeliers can come together to define the future of wine," said a spokesperson.
Italy once again dominated the selection, with red wines at the centre of its success. Thirteen of the 20 Italian entries were red wines, more than any other country, showcasing the nation's remarkable regional variety from north to south. Nebbiolo emerged as a standout, with four Barolo and Barbaresco examples reinforcing the grape's international prestige. The selection also featured more contemporary styles, including a Grenache from Marche's Clara Marcelli and a Merlot from Emilia-Romagna producer Tenuta Del Paguro, which is aged on the Adriatic seabed for 12 months. A notable achievement came from Sicilian producer Arianna Occhipinti, whose commitment to organic, terroir-driven winemaking earned three places on the list - an impressive demonstration of Sicily's rising profile. Completing the Italian entries were four white wines, one rosé and two sparkling wines.
"The World's Best Sommeliers' Selection tasting panel brings together sommeliers from the world's leading restaurants, each with a distinct perspective shaped by their own markets and experiences. This diversity is what makes the selection so valuable, because it reflects the tastes and standards of the global dining scene,” said Kristell Monot, President of the World’s Best Sommeliers’ Selection 2026.
“The experts understand not only what makes a bottle high quality, but also the broader trends shaping the industry, from climate change to emerging regions and producers. Together, the panel set a benchmark for excellence that guides sommeliers, wine professionals and consumers around the world."
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