On 30th of January, the results of Sommelier of the Year 2023 were revealed in Kortrijk. This election is already in its 13th edition. More than 12,700 people, both gastronomy lovers and professionals, cast their votes via the website www.sommelieroftheyear.eu. “The three best-ranked sommeliers from each province took a sommelier test that probed their knowledge of food pairing, wine and glass selection. This was done under the close eye of an expert jury. The candidates who scored best on this test were declared provincial winners.

The following Sommeliers may hold the title of their province’s Sommelier of the Year 2023:

• Aaron MOERAERT, Zilte, Antwerp and Jean-Trésor VETS, Upper Roombar The Jane, Antwerp – ‘Sommelier of the Year of the Province of Antwerp’ – EX AEQUO
• Pieter BÉATSE, De Stadt van Luijk, Sint-Truiden and Diederik HERBOTS, Ogst, Hasselt – ‘Sommelier of the Year of the province of Limburg’ – EX AEQUO
• Tom DILLEMANS, Arenberg, Heverlee – ‘Sommelier of the Year of the province of Flemish Brabant’
• Kenzo LAUWEREINS, Vlass, Middelkerke – ‘Sommelier of the Year of the province of West Flanders’
• Arne BRAECKMAN, Wine Bar Ona, Ghent – ‘Sommelier of the Year of the Province of East Flanders’
• Jeno DEL TURCO, Le Chalet de la Forêt, Brussels- ‘Sommelier of the Year of the Brussels Region’
• François VANDECASTEELE, Le Pilori, Écaussinnes – ‘Hainaut’s Sommelier of the Year”
• Sylvia VENEZIANO, Philippe Fauchet, Saint-Georges-sur-Meuse- ‘Sommelier of the Year of the Province of Liège’
• Frederic CABUT, La Table de Maxime, Paliseul – ‘Sommelier of the Year from the province of Luxembourg’
• Cédric DEBLANDRE, L’Eau Vive, Profondeville – ‘Sommelier of the Year from the province of Namur’
• Thomas DELHAUTEUR, Maison Marit, Eigenbrakel – ‘Sommelier of the Year of  Brabant Wallon’

This year’s tasting was not easy. The task consisted of both wine and beer pairing with accompanying glasses, the motivation for their choice and their presentation. For the choice of dishes, the jury took inspiration from the “fish of the year” the grey shrimp. From five different beers, the finalists had to choose the beer and glass combination that went best with an appetiser consisting of tomato with Ostend grey shrimps. They then had to make a second, well-reasoned choice from five wines with an appropriate glass for dab tongue with Nieuwpoort grey shrimps with a salsa of Chant d’Eole brut & dulse.

For the first time, the Sommeliers not only had to pair (combine) a dish with the perfect wine & appropriate glass, but also with a beer & its appropriate glass. Sofie Vanrafelgem (best-known beer sommelier in Belgium) was present and was part of the jury. After the competition, she gave a presentation in which she shared her passion for beer with the Sommeliers. She convinced the public that beer in elegant glasses are also appropriate in Belgian starred restaurants.

The election ‘Sommelier of the Year’ is not a competition but a recognition of the best sommelier, praising his daily commitment and professionalism. It is organised by Home & Table by Meyhui, Foodprint and Club Prosper Montagné. Guido Francque, Frank Desmedt, Baudouin Meyhui, Marina Stoop, Robert Van Landeghem, Sofie Vanrafelghem, Gido Vanimschoot, Mathieu Vanneste and a number of former national winners of ‘Sommelier of the Year’ were part of the professional jury.

To qualify for the title, candidates must meet a number of criteria. They must work in a Belgian restaurant and have sufficient professional experience. They must also have the necessary technical knowledge and communication skills. They must be familiar with the technical aspects of a wine list, as well as guaranteeing wine list management and value for money.

Who achieved the very highest score and consequently won the national title ‘Sommelier of the Year 2023’ remains a secret for now. That name and also the name of the ‘Wine Lady of the Year 2023’ will only be announced on 6 March 2023,” explains initiator Baudouin Meyhui.