Center: Joris Gutierrez Garcia (winner); left: Mark Guillaudeu (first runner-up); right: Nicolas Reines (second runner-up).
The Association de la Sommellerie International (ASI) is pleased to announce the winner of the ASI Contest Best Sommelier of the Americas 2025. The event, held in Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, USA, from 17-20 February attracted an audience of member association presidents, partners, visiting sommeliers, and wine lovers.
On the podium
- First place: Joris Gutierrez Garcia, Canada
- Runner-up: Mark Guillaudeu, USA
- Second runner-up: Nicolas Reines, Colombia
As with many ASI contests, the first climactic moment came with the announcement of the finalists. The six semi-finalists represented candidates from both South and North America, with perennial favourites such as Canada and the United States joined by contestants from Peru, Colombia, Uruguay, and Ecuador.
Reflecting on the diversity of the semi-finalists, ASI president William Wouters remarked, “Having competitors from Peru and Ecuador—countries that are just beginning their journey with ASI and are less established compared to some of our competing nations—is very rewarding. It shows how sommellerie is becoming increasingly international. Some credit for this rise in talent in emerging nations must go to the creation of ASI Bootcamp and the ASI Guidelines, the latter providing a global standard for sommellerie.”
The tension was palpable as the semi-finalists were gradually narrowed down from six to five, then to four, and finally three. The previous day, the contestants had been put through a series of rigorous challenges, including multiple blind tastings and service tasks designed to assess their knowledge, efficiency, and ability to engage customers. When Guilhem Renaud from Ecuador was announced as the fourth-place finisher, a mix of relief and determination could be seen among the remaining three competitors: Nicolas Reines of Colombia, Mark Guillaudeu of the USA, and Joris Gutierrez Garcia of Canada.
The trio then drew lots to determine the order of their final competition. Nicolas Reines was first to take the stage, facing a series of demanding tasks designed to test their expertise, precision, and composure under pressure. Each finalist demonstrated remarkable knowledge, acute tasting skills, and seamless service, embodying the exceptional talent and passion that define the sommelier profession.
After a series of intense rounds, Nicolas Reines was announced as the second runner-up, leaving the last two contenders in a moment of high suspense. Finally, amidst cheers and applause, ASI President William Wouters announced the victor and proud recipient of the title ASI Best Sommelier of the Americas 2025.
Reflecting on the event, ASI vice-president of the Americas, Matias Prezioso, commented, “This contest was more than just a showcase of knowledge and skill. It was a testament to the incredible rise of sommellerie in the Americas. Holding the contest in Sonoma, the heart and soul of the American wine industry, was particularly memorable. Hosting the competition in the United States represents an important step for ASI and for the growth of sommellerie in the Americas.”