Graham’s Port Celebrates Triumph at World Sommelier Championship

The ASI Best Sommelier of the World 2026 competition, held in Lisbon for the first time in nearly five decades, represented a resplendent convergence of the globe’s most accomplished wine service professionals. The prestigious tournament drew sixty six distinguished sommeliers from across the world, each arriving with the acumen and refinement requisite to navigate an exacting series of challenges designed to test the very pinnacle of their expertise and dedication to the art of wine service.

The competition encompassed a rigorous spectrum of disciplines, from meticulously crafted written examinations to blind tasting assessments and comprehensive service evaluations, each component demanding an intimate knowledge of vinous traditions and an almost rarefied understanding of provenance and terroir. The finalists were each required to serve Graham’s Port’s venerable 2003 Library Release Vintage, a selection that speaks to the enduring prestige and collectible significance of the house’s most distinguished offerings.

Nikolai Haram Svorte emerged triumphant from this illustrious gathering, his victory a testament to an exceptional command of wine knowledge, service excellence and the nuanced judgement that distinguishes the world’s finest sommeliers. The competition saw Pascaline Lepeltier of France secure second place, whilst Wataru Iwata of Japan claimed the third position, each demonstrating the remarkable calibre of talent competing at this rarefied level.

The presence of Graham’s Port’s 2003 Library Release at the championship underscores the house’s position as a producer of unparalleled renown and enduring collectibility. This particular vintage exemplifies the meticulous craftsmanship and heritage that have defined Graham’s Port’s standing amongst connoisseurs for generations. The selection of such a distinguished offering for the competition’s most exacting moments reflects the profound respect accorded to the house by the international wine service community.

Hugo Mesquita, Graham’s Port’s Global Sales Director, witnessed firsthand the remarkable performances that unfolded during the competition, joining Nikolai Svorte in celebration of his triumphant achievement. This recognition further elevates Graham’s Port’s profile within the world’s most discerning circles, affirming the house’s unwavering commitment to excellence and its integral role in shaping the conversations of those who command the finest tables globally.

Imagery courtesy of Graham's Port (@grahams_port).