Sommelier Selection Highlights Shifting Wine Preferences, Regional Power Shifts

Event summary

  • The World's Best Sommeliers' Selection 2026, the third edition, was announced on February 25, 2026.
  • Italy led the selection with 20 wines, followed by Portugal (18) and the USA (17).
  • The panel of judges, drawn from The World's 50 Best Restaurants network, included Kristell Monot, Head Sommelier at Mugaritz.
  • The selection featured 115 wines from 16 countries, highlighting diverse styles including seabed-aged Merlot and orange wine.

The big picture

The World's Best Sommeliers' Selection acts as a bellwether for evolving consumer tastes and regional strengths within the global wine market. The prominence of Italy and Portugal underscores the enduring appeal of traditional European winemaking, while the inclusion of wines from emerging regions like Texas and Georgia signals a broadening of the industry's geographic footprint. The selection's influence extends to the on-trade sector, shaping wine lists and influencing purchasing decisions among professional sommeliers.

What we're watching

Regional Shifts
Italy's dominance in the selection signals a potential shift in global wine preferences towards classic Italian varietals, potentially impacting demand for wines from other regions.
Fortified Wine Revival
The inclusion of sherries and Madeira wines suggests a renewed interest in fortified wines among consumers and sommeliers, which could spur investment and innovation in this niche category.
Emerging Regions
The representation of Texas and Georgia indicates a growing recognition of wines from previously less-established regions, which may attract investment and tourism.