Maria Boumpa: The Best Sommelier in the UK is Greek

She is presently Head Sommelier astatine the two-Michelin-starred Da Terra edifice successful London’s Shoreditch, wherever her professionalism and lukewarm attack to hospitality person distinguished her.

UK Sommelier of the Year 2025

The International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) hosted the UK Sommelier of the Year 2025 finals successful London this July. Boumpa triumphed implicit runner-up Dion Wai (Raffles London astatine The OWO) and newcomer Joanna Nerantzi (5 Hertford Street), some of whom besides impressed the judges.

This was lone Boumpa’s second-ever competition. In 2024, she unexpectedly made the last three; this year, her confidence, calmness, and method accomplishment secured her victory.

“It hasn’t sunk successful yet,” Maria said aft her win. “It was a long, engaged day, but I made definite to bask myself and person amusive connected stage. This clip I prepared mentally for the competition, stayed positive, and conscionable tried to beryllium myself.”

The contention progressive rigorous challenges: vino database corrections, unsighted tastings, nutrient and vino pairing, barroom service, and the now-famous ‘Champagne pour’ situation — wherever sommeliers indispensable capable 14 glasses arsenic from a magnum without revisiting a glass. Boumpa’s composure during this last trial stood out.

Recognition and Awards

Boumpa not lone claimed the UK Sommelier of the Year 2025 title but besides won trips to the Pair’d Festival successful Margaret River and to Vienna’s VieVinum 2026, on with galore prizes from sponsors.

Special class winners included:

• Wine tasting: Joanna Nerantzi (5 Hertford Street)
• Spirits tasting: Dion Wai (Raffles London)
• Theory task: Maria Boumpa (Da Terra)
• Food & vino matching: Emma Denney (Claridge’s)
• Service task: Kristina Gladilina (Lita)

The IWSC besides presented a Lifetime Achievement Award to Brian Julyan MS, laminitis and President of the Court of Master Sommeliers, for his decades of publication to the profession.

A Greek Inspiration

From studying economics successful Greece to moving successful Denmark and the UK, Boumpa’s vocation travel has been defined by determination, resilience, and a passionateness for wine. Her occurrence is simply a root of pridefulness for the Greek assemblage overseas and a almighty inspiration for the adjacent procreation of professionals successful the hospitality and vino industry.