Switzerland has chosen the professional who will defend its colors at the ASI World's Best Sommelier Competition 2026, scheduled in Lisbon in October. At the end of the national selection, held on June 26 in Crans-Montana, it was Mikael Grou to achieve the best result, earning the right to represent the country in the most important international competition dedicated to sommeliers.
The event brought together some of the best Swiss professionals in the sector for a day of testing designed to reproduce the level of difficulty required during the world championship organized by the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI).
A selection reserved for the best professionals
Access to the national competition is open to a very limited number of sommeliers. Only professionals who have already reached the finals of a national competition and meet rigorous technical and professional requirements can apply.
Competing for the chance to represent Switzerland were: Tony Lécuroux MS, Master Sommelier, and Mikael Grou, winner of the title of Best Sommelier of Switzerland 2025.
In addition to technical skills, the willingness to undertake a lengthy training program is also considered essential. Competing in a world championship requires months of study, consistent training, discipline, and a significant investment of time and resources, a process often compared to that of a top-level athlete.
Tests inspired by international standards
The technical organization of the selection was entrusted to Paul Low, national president of the Swiss Association of Professional Sommeliers (ASSP) and Best Sommelier in the World 2013.
The entire program was built following the criteria adopted by the ASI and included a combination of theoretical tests, blind tastings, and practical tests designed to evaluate the candidates' skills in every aspect of the profession.
Among the distinctive elements of the 2026 edition is the introduction of a test never before proposed during a Swiss national selection.
A real catering service as a test bed
For the first time in the history of the competition, the candidates faced an authentic dining room service inside the restaurant Substance of Les Roches Global Hospitality University.
It was not a simulation, but a real gastronomic service in front of guests from the wine sector, representatives of institutions and specialized journalists.
In this context, every detail was evaluated: from the ability to advise clients and manage the service, to the technical precision and quality of decisions made during the work in the dining room. This formula allowed us to test the competitors' skills under the same operating conditions that characterize their daily work.
Mikaël Grou flies to the World Championships in Lisbon
With his victory in Crans-Montana, Mikaël Grou adds a new milestone to a career already rich in accolades.
He currently holds the role of Chef Sommelier of the Four Seasons Hôtel des Bergues of Geneva and in 2025 he won the title of Best Sommelier of Switzerland.
His success in the national selection will now allow him to tackle the ASI World Championship with the aim of confirming the tradition of excellence of Swiss sommeliers on the international stage.
Support for the Swiss wine sector
The day took place in front of numerous representatives of the Swiss wine sector, the specialized media and institutional representatives.
Members of Swiss Wine's Board of Directors and Management also attended the event, a presence that demonstrates the company's commitment to training professionals, promoting Italian wine production, and developing the role of sommelier.
Thanks from the Swiss Association of Professional Sommeliers
At the end of the event, the Swiss Association of Professional Sommeliers expressed special thanks to Ezio De Bernardi e Vincenzo Aiosi, recognizing their organizational and technical contribution in the realization of the selection.
Thanks were also given to Les Roches Global Hospitality University and Substance Restaurant, which hosted the competition by providing facilities and organization suitable for holding an international level event.
For further information on the activities of the Swiss Association of Professional Sommeliers, please visit the official website: www.sommeliers-suisse.ch.
