On April 24th the world of wine and high-end hospitality in Mexico experienced one of its most vibrant chapters!

The selection for who would represent the National Bailliage at the 2026 International Final of the Jeunes Sommeliers Competition took place in Los Cabos at the stunning Solaz, a Luxury Collection Resort. As the event’s host venue Solaz reaffirmed its position as a benchmark for luxury and service on the peninsula.

Impeccable coordination
The execution of the event was noted for its masterful coordination which was all credit to the leadership of Alejandro Cortés, Director of Bars and Restaurants, and Ulises Barrios, Wine Director of the resort. Their management not only ensured that the technical trials ran seamlessly but also enveloped the competition in an atmosphere of professionalism and sophistication that met the highest international standards of the Chaîne.

The critical eye
The evaluation of the talented young sommeliers was conducted under the strict and expert gaze of a top-tier panel:
- Johan Valderrabano: Échanson.
- Miguel Jáuregui: Vice Échanson of Los Cabos.
- Pilar Roth: Chargée des Missions.

Together, the judges tested theoretical knowledge, service skills, and blind tasting abilities of the nine competitors. All of whom demonstrated why they are the brightest prospects on the national Sommelier scene.

The podium
After a day of intense challenges and displays of technical prowess, the results celebrated talent from Mexico's premier gastronomic destinations:

Winner: Pablo Eduardo Gutiérrez Lezama representing Cancún
Runner-up: Luis Alexis Gallardo Guerra representing Puerto Vallarta
Third Place: Marian Rosas Jiménez representing Los Cabos

By being crowned the winner, Pablo Eduardo Gutiérrez Lezama now takes on the responsibility and honour of representing Mexican talent on the international stage. He carries with him the support of a community that strives for perfection in every glass.

The Jeunes Sommeliers Competition not only rewards technical knowledge, it also celebrates the passion and resilience of a new generation of sommeliers who are transforming wine culture in Mexico.

This event at Solaz Los Cabos will be remembered as a milestone of elegance and rigour, where Mexican hospitality and the legacy of the Chaîne merged to celebrate true excellence.

Fabrizio Frías, Bailli of Los Cabos, Chef Raúl Soto and Comis Jorge Pereyra coordinated the whole experience impeccably.

We give special thanks to Wellnex Imports and Mestres for their collaboration in the realization of the event.

Marco Albarrán Arozarena
Bailli of Guadalajara
who continues to act as Chargé de Presse