Sommeliers Australia has announced the four finalists competing for the 2026 Sommelier Challenge: Finding Australia’s Best Sommelier.
After progressing through a highly competitive selection process, finalists Justin Biskup (CARPE VINO, VIC), Clotilde Candusso (Freyja, VIC), Isaac Pockney (Bennelong, NSW) and Paolo Saccone MS (LUCAS Restaurants, NSW) will now face a series of written, tasting, practical and theory examinations as they compete for the title of Australia’s Best Sommelier.
Judging will take place on 6 July 2026 in the iconic Sydney Tower at one hatted restaurant Infinity by Mark Best.
The winner of the 2026 Australia’s Best Sommelier will be announced at a special black-tie dinner ceremony that same evening at two hatted restaurant Lee Ho Fook, with tickets available for the public to attend.
More than 30 sommeliers from across Australia applied to participate in the nation’s premier wine service competition. After undergoing a rigorous online interview featuring questions reflecting Master Sommelier, WSET Diploma, and ASI Diploma level standards designed to test technical knowledge and industry expertise, these four outstanding finalists have secured their place in the final stage of the competition.
Judges for this year’s Sommelier Challenge include noted professionals in the industry including Sommeliers Australia President Louella Mathews, Master Sommelier Andreas Aragon & Sarah Andrew WSET Dip (previous Sommeliers Australia President).
The winner of the local Sommelier Challenge will represent Australia at the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI) Best Sommelier of the World 2026 competition, to be held in Lisbon, Portugal, from 11–17 October
2026.
Mathews said: “This 2026 Sommelier Challenge is the modern reboot of Australia’s Best Sommelier of the Year. Beyond being a competition, it provides a pathway for professionals to demonstrate their knowledge on the world stage and engage with the global sommelier community.
“It strengthens Australia’s wine and hospitality sector by elevating standards of service, deepening collective knowledge, and fostering the exchange of expertise across peers and the next generation of sommeliers. With each candidate contributing to the wine community through a masterclass delivered in partnership with their sponsor.
“The Sommelier Challenge would not be possible without the generous support of our Gold Partners: Ruinart, House of Arras, Jim Barry and Pewsey Vale.
“Their commitment to excellence in wine service and education helps elevate the profession across Australia. This collaboration reflects a shared dedication to strengthening industry standards, enhancing brand engagement, and fostering meaningful connections with key industry decision-makers throughout the wine and hospitality sectors. “
Tickets to attend the 2026 Australia’s Best Sommelier Awards Ceremony are $165 and available to purchase now via the Sommeliers Australia website. Guests will enjoy Lee Ho Fook’s celebrated signature dishes, including its iconic duck, accompanied by exceptional wines paired by Sommeliers Australia Gold Sponsors Ruinart, House of Arras, Jim Barry and Pewsey Vale.