Organised by the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI) and hosted by the Associação dos Escanções de Portugal (AEP), the 18th edition marks the contest’s first return to Lisbon since 1978.
Yesterday the registration and Partners Welcome Fair were held at the Sheraton Hotel Lisboa, followed by the opening evening, which was hosted at the Hipódromo Manuel Possolo in Cascais, a popular seaside town on the outskirts of Lisbon. The choice of Cascais is made even more meaningful as the last time Portugal hosted the ASI Best Sommelier of the World in 1978, Cascais was the host location.
The competitive portion of the week begins today as candidates gather for the first day of the contest. William Wouters, ASI President, shared: “Today we welcome 66 candidates whose dedication has brought them to the world stage. Lisbon gives us a wonderful setting to celebrate their talent, but also the generosity, curiosity and sense of service that unite sommeliers wherever they work.”
A Portuguese Welcome
Lisbon’s relationship with the Atlantic, its neighbourhood restaurants and its vibrant wine culture give this edition a distinctive sense of place. Portuguese wines and regional gastronomy will complement a programme that encourages delegates and candidates to explore, learn and build lasting professional relationships. Masterclasses on Portuguese wine regions will sit alongside sessions devoted to the wider beverage world.
According to ASI Secretary General Beata Vlnkova, “a world contest such as this is about more than the days of examination. It is also a meeting place where sommeliers share experiences and discover new perspectives. The friendships and professional connections made here can continue to inspire candidates long after the week is over.”
The Quarterfinals Begin
The start of the quarterfinal round highlight today’s events and continues tomorrow, 13 October. Candidates will be assessed on theoretical knowledge, blind tasting and practical service, requiring accuracy, judgement and composure under pressure.
ASI Best Sommelier of the World 2023 Raimonds Tomsons says the quarterfinal round can be the most difficult stage. He says, “every candidate begins there. Just one imperfect day can end years of preparation before the public ever sees it. If you don’t perform well in this round, the race is over for you before it started.”
In terms of the logistics and organisation this is a huge task, only made possible by the sterling work of our ASI volunteers. This year 80 volunteers from over 40 countries have come together to stage manage every aspect of the contest, including exams, masterclasses, service and the contest. Long-term partner Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association brought with them 50 labels and 4 brewers directly from Japan to present their sakes to the candidates and guests. More than 16 000 glasses were generously offered by ASI Partner Stoelzle Lausitz, and over 15 000 bottles of mineral water by Perlage.
For those candidates, who were able to calm their nerves, and harness their skills in this preliminary round, they can look forward to participating in the semi-final. The semi-finalists will be announced on 14 October and compete on 15 October. Each of whom will hope to be one of the three finalists that will take the stage at Coliseu dos Recreios on 16 October.
The final will be streamed live on ASI YOUTUBE CHANNEL.