Clément Sommier, Best Sommelier of France 2026
On Monday 29 June, under the spotlights of the Théâtre des Célestins in Lyon, a new chapter in the history of the French sommellier industry was written. Clément Sommier, aged 29, won the title of Best Sommelier of France 2026 after an intense and demanding final. This accolade is the culmination of many years of hard work, perseverance, and a passion inherited from a family deeply rooted in the world of wine.
A journey filled with challenges and dedication
The son of Fabrice Sommier, President of the Union de la Sommellerie Française (UDSF), Clément could easily have followed in his father’s footsteps. However, his story is that of a man who chose to carve out his own path. After studying Political Science in Lyon and completing a Master’s degree in wine business at the Burgundy School of Business in Dijon, he turned towards the sommelier industry, driven by an insatiable curiosity for terroirs and food and wine pairings.
His training was a combination of several in-the-field experiences, initially alongside Georges Blanc in Vonnas and later in Switzerland, where he joined the Berthaudin group in 2021. Here, in Geneva, he fine-tuned his expertise and began preparing for the highest-level competitions.
His training was a combination of several in-the-field experiences, initially alongside Georges Blanc in Vonnas and later in Switzerland, where he joined the Berthaudin group in 2021. Here, in Geneva, he fine-tuned his expertise and began preparing for the highest-level competitions.
A nail-biting final
The Best Sommelier of France contest, organised by the UDSF, is renowned for its demanding standards. This year, the final tested candidates on various themes:
- Cocktail knowledge
- Restaurant wine service using a champagne cart
- The creation of a typical Lyonnais menu in honour of a great chef, inspired by European wines
- Tasting and detailed presentation of a fine wine from Argentina
After coming close to winning in 2024 (2nd place), Clément Sommier came out on top against two other talented competitors, Augustin Belleville (2nd place) and Audrey Brugière (3rd place). “It’s nothing but work. There’s nothing innate about wine tasting”, he admitted after his victory, highlighting the importance of discipline and preparation.
- Cocktail knowledge
- Restaurant wine service using a champagne cart
- The creation of a typical Lyonnais menu in honour of a great chef, inspired by European wines
- Tasting and detailed presentation of a fine wine from Argentina
After coming close to winning in 2024 (2nd place), Clément Sommier came out on top against two other talented competitors, Augustin Belleville (2nd place) and Audrey Brugière (3rd place). “It’s nothing but work. There’s nothing innate about wine tasting”, he admitted after his victory, highlighting the importance of discipline and preparation.
A victory which also serves as tribute
This year’s award was very special, since it was the first time that the son of the President of the UDSF won the title. “The verdict was delivered by my father, who was choked with emotion”, he tells us, evoking a “surreal” moment.
This scene will remain engraved in the minds of those who attended, serving as a reminder that behind the medals lie human stories, heritage and children’s dreams.
This scene will remain engraved in the minds of those who attended, serving as a reminder that behind the medals lie human stories, heritage and children’s dreams.
A message of hope for young sommeliers
Clément Sommier epitomises a generation of versatile, highly skilled and open-minded sommeliers. His background demonstrates how the sommelier industry is not just about talent but also hard work, curiosity and audacity. “A sommelier is someone who goes back in time”, he explains, highlighting the importance of knowing as much as possible about the terroirs and human expertise.
