The third edition of World’s Best Sommeliers’ Selection has been announced with one New Zealand wine named in the list.
Leading sommeliers from 17 countries across six continents gathered to taste, debate and determine the standout wines of the year.
The panel was invited from the global network led by Kristell Monot, President of the World’s Best Sommeliers’ Selection 2026, and Head Sommelier at Mugaritz restaurant in Spain.
The sommeliers’ final selection features 115 wines from 16 countries and spans every colour, style and expression, offering a trusted benchmark that showcases everything from timeless icons to exciting new voices shaping the future of wine.
New Zealand’s only inclusion in the list is Rose Family Estate’s Wairau River Sauvignon Blanc 2025.
Italy once again dominates the selection, with red wines at the centre of its success. Thirteen of the 20 Italian entries were red wines, more than any other country, showcasing the nation’s regional variety from north to south.
After Italy, Portugal emerged as the country with the second-highest number of wines in the selection, with 18 wines earning a spot across white, red and fortified categories.
And the USA secured 17 wines in the selection across three key regions – Texas, California and Oregon.
“The World’s Best Sommeliers’ Selection tasting panel brings together sommeliers from the world’s leading restaurants, each with a distinct perspective shaped by their own markets and experiences,” says Kristell Monot, President of the World’s Best Sommeliers’ Selection 2026.
“This diversity is what makes the selection so valuable, because it reflects the tastes and standards of the global dining scene.
“The experts understand not only what makes a bottle high quality, but also the broader trends shaping the industry, from climate change to emerging regions and producers. Together, the panel set a benchmark for excellence that guides sommeliers, wine professionals and consumers around the world.”
For producers interested in registering wines for the 2027 selection, registrations will open on 25th February 2026 and interested parties can request a link to register here.
To view the World’s Best Sommeliers’ Selection, click here.
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