Putu Egi Krisnawan Crowned Best of Indonesia
The Indonesia Sommelier Association (ISA) recently held the 2025 Indonesia Best Sommelier (IBS) Competition on October 20 at Fairmont Jakarta. After a series of challenging theoretical, service, and blind tasting assessments, Putu Egi Krisnawan, Sommelier at The Apurva Kempinski Bali, emerged as the winner. The event was chaired by Head Judge Gerald Lu and supported by an esteemed panel of past national champions and senior sommeliers from ISA’s Jakarta and Bali chapters. This year’s competition marked a milestone for ISA, with ten finalists, comprising chapter champions and previous IBS Top 3 finalists, reflecting the rising standard of sommelier professionalism in Indonesia. As a result of his win, Putu Egi Krisnawan will join the national selection pool of past IBS champions to be considered for representation at future ASI Contest Best Sommelier of ASI & Pacific, and the upcoming ASI Best Sommelier of the World Contest, to be held in Lisbon in 2026.
Best of the Baltics
The Vana Tallinn Baltic Sommelier Grand Prix once again showcased the exceptional calibre of the region’s wine professionals. According to overall winner Ignatij Semionov, this year’s championship was “dynamic, engaging, and full of unexpected challenges,” reflecting both the competition’s high standards and the Baltic region’s growing ambition. He noted that the curiosity of Baltic sommeliers—unbound by a single regional identity—gives them a broad, nuanced understanding of the global wine world.
Jury chair and President of the Lithuanian Sommelier Association, Arminas Darasevičius, emphasised that the contest is designed by former world and European finalists, ensuring tasks that match international championship difficulty. Finalists must excel across demanding theoretical examinations and creative, unpredictable practical tests, making the event a true measure of those capable of standing among the world’s best.
Jury member and Liviko sommelier Urvo Ugandi added that the competition consistently attracts the strongest talent from Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. With experienced sommeliers and rising young professionals competing side by side, the Grand Prix provides a rare opportunity to benchmark skills at the highest level. While the challenges are formidable, the event remains a vital proving ground for Baltic sommeliers seeking to advance on the global stage.
Alma Cabral Arrieta Named Best Sommelier of Argentina 2025
The Argentine Association of Sommeliers (AAS) marked the 10th edition of the Best Sommelier of Argentina competition with a record 47 candidates, underscoring the vitality and rising professionalism of the country’s sommelier community. Held from November 1–3, the event showcased Argentina’s deep pool of talent and its increasing alignment with global standards.
After a demanding series of theoretical, practical, and service-based evaluations, Alma Cabral Arrieta emerged as the Best Sommelier of Argentina 2025, delivering an exceptional performance in a tightly contested final. Patricio Zárate and James Still rounded out the podium in second and third place.
AAS President Marcela Rienzo highlighted the record participation as a sign of the profession’s growing prestige. “Having 47 sommeliers compete shows the strength of our community,” she said. “Winning this title now places the champion in a highly respected position within the industry.” She credits the association’s enhanced communication efforts and the momentum generated by the 2022 edition for inspiring many of this year’s candidates, particularly younger professionals.
While firmly rooted in Argentina’s food and wine culture, the competition demands global expertise. Candidates must demonstrate deep knowledge not only of Argentine wine but of beverages from around the world. “Our tests reflect an international standard, challenging competitors across all beverage categories,” Rienzo explained.
This year’s format retained the classic elements—blind tastings, cocktail and wine service, food pairing, and commercial tasks—while introducing a new short theoretical exam ahead of the on-stage final. This addition provided further evaluation opportunities and helped mitigate the pressure of performing live.
Rienzo praised the remarkable level displayed by all three finalists, noting that the top scores were separated by the smallest of margins. Alma Cabral Arrieta ultimately prevailed through her precision, calm execution, and unwavering consistency, earning her place among Argentina’s most distinguished champions. She also thanked colleagues Paz Levinson, Matías Prezioso, and Ricardo Grellet for their essential support in delivering a seamless event.
Zimbabwe Crowns a New Champion
Zimbabwe celebrates a new national champion with the crowning of Takura Makadzenge. Beginning his career as a chef, Takura developed a strong foundation in flavour and gastronomy before becoming one of the country’s most influential sommeliers. He made history as the first professional in Zimbabwe to achieve an ASI Certification and later qualified for the ASI Bootcamp in Spain, highlighting how ASI helps nurture future champions in emerging wine markets. Based in Harare, Takura continues to work as a chef and wine professional, organising food and wine pairing events across Zimbabwe and contributing meaningfully to the country’s growing food and wine culture.
Consecutive Ubuntu International Sommelier Trophy Wins for Mauritius
Team Mauritius has once again claimed the Ubuntu International Sommelier Trophy, securing a second consecutive victory at the 2025 edition held on 8 December at the historic Lanzerac Hotel in Stellenbosch. Competing against teams from Kenya, Zimbabwe and South Africa, the continental final brought together Africa’s top sommelier talent following demanding semi-finals that tested skills across wine service, blind tasting, theory, sake and beer identification, menu explanation and pairing challenges. The final round, hosted in partnership with Stellenbosch Wine Routes, further showcased the competitors’ versatility with tasks spanning sparkling wine service, still and fortified wines, spirits, water service and beer-and-food pairing, all overseen by an international jury chaired by Giuseppe Vaccarini, former ASI Best Sommelier of the World.
Team Mauritius who was represented by Jaisen Pandoo and Shani Ramasawmy, both former national champions, retained the Ubuntu Trophy, while George Young (South Africa) earned the highest individual score, receiving the Stellenbosch Wine Routes Award. Featuring eight finalists from Mauritius, Kenya, Zimbabwe and South Africa, the sixth edition of the Ubuntu Trophy reaffirmed its role as a vital platform for showcasing African excellence in sommellerie. The event was organised by Jean-Vincent Ridon.
