The Portuguese capital will host the 18th edition of the ASI Contest Best Sommelier of the World 2026 from 11 to 17 October, one of the world’s most prestigious international competitions dedicated to the sommelier profession. The Grand Final will take place on 16 October at the Coliseu dos Recreios, and tickets are now on sale.
Organized by the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI), in collaboration with the Associação dos Escanções de Portugal (AEP), the contest brings professionals, experts and opinion leaders from 72 countries to Lisbon, placing Portugal at the center of the international wine and sommellerie community.
Held every three years, the ASI Contest Best Sommelier of the World celebrates excellence in the profession and brings together some of the world’s leading sommeliers in a competition that tests their knowledge, technical skills and service expertise.
Hosting the 18th edition in Portugal also provides a unique opportunity to showcase the diversity and quality of Portuguese wines, as well as the country’s gastronomy and culture, to professionals and experts from around the world.
As a partner of this initiative, ViniPortugal is proud to support another important occasion for raising the profile and international recognition of Portuguese wines, at an event that puts wine, knowledge and professional excellence in the spotlight.
Throughout the week, the programme includes different stages of the competition, masterclasses and experiences dedicated to wine and gastronomy. On 15 October, Wines of Portugal will host the Hidden Gems masterclass, led by Dirceu Vianna Jr MW, giving participants the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of the diversity of Portuguese wines.
Grand Final open to the public
The decisive stage of the competition will take place on 16 October, from 2:30 pm to 6:00 pm, at the Coliseu dos Recreios in Lisbon, culminating in the announcement of the results and the unveiling of the Best Sommelier of the World 2026.
The Grand Final is open to the public, offering the opportunity to experience one of the world’s most important international sommellerie competitions live and watch the contenders compete for the world title.
16 October 2026
2:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Coliseu dos Recreios, Lisbon
Secure your place and purchase your ticket here to experience the Grand Final of the ASI Best Sommelier of the World 2026 live.
Find out more about the ASI Best Sommelier of the World 2026 here.
