Top100 Sommeliers Launched in Australia

The Top 100 Sommeliers for New Zealand 2026 has been launched.

This is year 2 for Aotearoa New Zealand

In Australia the first year for their Top100 Sommeliers has officially been launched.

Having the right lead person to oversee the collection of applications and assist the committee judges to confirm the results is lead by Amanda Yallop, a long time Sommelier and well respected leader in the Sommelier community.

There are now 6 Countries embracing this industry recognition initiative

Press release below

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TOP 100 SOMMELIERS LAUNCHES IN AUSTRALIA

The first annual ranking of Top 100 Sommeliers launches in Australia with new Country Ambassador and leading sommelier, Amanda Yallop.

23 March 2026, Sydney, Australia – The first Top 100 Sommeliers has been launched in Australia. Partnering leading, Australian sommelier Amanda Yallop, Country Ambassador for Top 100 Sommeliers, FINK Wine Director and 2025 Australian Sommelier of the Year. This annual ranking will recognise the very best, working sommeliers in Australia on an annual basis including emerging talent, top female and top young sommeliers. Top 100 Sommeliers was launched in the UK in May 2023 by Sommelier Edit – an online membership for beverage professionals. Following its success and popularity amongst wine service professionals then went on to be celebrated in Madrid, Spain in and in New Zealand in 2025. Amanda joins a stellar line up of international sommeliers who lead the Top 100 Sommeliers annual ranking in their countries: Cameron Douglas MS, well-known sommelier and wine critic in New Zealand, Agustin Trapero, leading Spanish sommelier, and Stefan Neumann MS and celebrated wine expert in the UK.

Amanda Yallop commented: “I’m genuinely thrilled to be involved as the chair judge in the inaugural Australian edition of the Top 100 Sommeliers 2026. It’s exciting to see a global benchmark arrive on Australian soil and create a platform for our sommeliers to step forward.

“Our community is full of talent, curiosity and a strong sense of hospitality. Awards like this celebrate the many hours spent learning formally and informally, along with the time spent honing our craft on the dining room floor, showcasing the service, storytelling and care that elevate the guest experience. It’s a privilege to be part of the judging panel and to support an event that highlights the depth, passion and growing confidence of our sommelier community.” Amanda Yallop, Top 100 Sommeliers’ Country Ambassador Australia