started · updated
Nikolai Haram Svorte wins ASI Best Sommelier of the World 2026
Nikolai Haram Svorte from Sula, Norway, has won the ASI Best Sommelier of the World 2026 title. The competition, organized by the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI), took place in Portugal.
Svorte emerged as the winner following a series of demanding theoretical and practical tests against 66 national champions. The final stage involved blind tasting of wines and spirits, correcting complex wine labels, food and drink pairings, and precise table service under significant time pressure.
The other two finalists were Pascaline Lepeltier from France and Wataru Iwata from Japan. This victory marks the first time in 37 years that a Norwegian has reached the final of this world championship.
Entities
Association de la Sommellerie Internationale · Nikolai Haram Svorte · Norsk Vinkelnerforening · Norway · Portugal
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The championship was held in Portugal. www.vinkelner.no · www.rbnett.no · www.dagbladet.no
- [● 3 SOURCES] Nikolai Haram Svorte won the ASI Best Sommelier of the World 2026 title. www.vinkelner.no · www.rbnett.no · www.dagbladet.no
- [○ 1 SOURCE] 66 national champions participated in the initial rounds. www.vinkelner.no
- [● 3 SOURCES] The competition includes blind tasting, theoretical questions, and service competition. www.vinkelner.no · www.rbnett.no · www.dagbladet.no
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Pascaline Lepeltier from France and Wataru Iwata from Japan were the other two finalists. www.vinkelner.no
- [● 2 SOURCES] It has been 37 years since a Norwegian was in a world championship final for sommeliers. www.rbnett.no · www.dagbladet.no