On Monday June 29, 2026, the Théâtre des Célestins is sold out in Lyon. Under the grueling heat, the room silently observes a young 29-year-old Burgundian sommelier, focused on his service gestures. The issue goes far beyond a simple tasting.
At the end of successive tests, this candidate is called Clément Sommier. That day, he officially became Best Sommelier of France 2026, winning ahead of Augustin Belleville, second, and Audrey Brugière, third. Organized every two years by the Union de la Sommellerie Française (UDSF), this competition has established itself as the benchmark for the profession since its creation.
A precise finale at the Théâtre des Célestins
The 2026 adventure began at Wine Paris, where around thirty sommeliers competed against each other during the qualifications. At the end of this first selection, six names remained in the running: Julia Scavo, Audrey Brugière, Marie Wodecki, Augustin Belleville, Pierre-Alexis Mengual and Clément Sommier.
The semi-finals, played behind closed doors the day before at the Lyfe Institute, designated the three finalists: Audrey Brugière, Augustin Belleville and Clément Sommier. In Lyon, they competed for nearly three hours over cocktails, a Lyon menu to compose, blind tastings of wines and eaux-de-vie, and the recognition of personalities from the wine world.
The unique journey of Clément Sommier
Born in Burgundy, Clément Sommier is the son of Fabrice Sommier, president of the UDSF, but his path was not mapped out in advance. He dreamed of being a sports journalist, obtained a degree in political science then a master’s degree in wine business at the Burgundy School of Business, while working seasons at Georges Blanc in Vonnas, between dining room and sommelier.
Based in Geneva at Berthaudin for five years, he took to the game of competitions, becoming a finalist twice for Best Young Sommelier of France and then a finalist in 2024. At the time of his coronation, he gave up: he declared, quoted by Nouvelles Gastronomiques. He adds: , specifies the winner.
Events designed for the field and a horizon already turned towards Lisbon
For the 2026 final, a new technical committee led by Gaëtan Bouvier and Cindy Schirr imagined the events. Gaëtan Bouvier summarizes: , he explains, quoted by Terre de Vins.
The final also tested general knowledge and eloquence, through a question posed by UDSF ambassador Clothilde Mengin. The profession is already looking towards the ASI competition for the Best Sommelier in the World in Lisbon (October 11-17, 2026), the competition for Meilleur Ouvrier de France sommelier in Lille in October and the next French edition scheduled for 2028.
Who is Clément Sommier?
Burgundian sommelier crowned Best Sommelier of France.
How to win this title?
After serving and tasting tests.
When does the competition return?
The next French edition is planned for 2028.
