After 36 years, Échanson Hagen Hoppenstedt returned to the establishment where he completed his training. It was here, at the historic Atlantic Hotel Hamburg, that the elite of Germany’s young sommelier talent gathered. At the National Young Sommeliers Competition organized by the Bailliage of Germany, young professionals demonstrated their skills at the highest level.

The prestigious competition is regarded as an important platform for promoting aspiring sommeliers in Germany. Its aim is to develop professional knowledge, sensory skills, and service expertise while supporting the next generation of wine professionals on their career paths.

Participants were required to prove themselves in several demanding disciplines. These included blind tastings, theoretical examinations, and practical service tasks - from making the perfect wine recommendation to serving wine correctly and professionally. In addition to in-depth knowledge, contestants were expected to demonstrate confidence, strong communication skills, and a polished professional presence.

The event not only provided young sommeliers with an opportunity to showcase their talent but also enabled them to establish valuable industry connections. Many former participants have gone on to build successful careers in fine dining and today help shape wine culture at both the national and international levels.

The winner, Tom Zink of Restaurant Haerlin Hamburg, will therefore represent Germany at the 2026 International Final in Båstad, Sweden, this coming October.

For decades, the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs has stood for the promotion of culinary excellence, dining culture, and outstanding service. Through its sommelier competition, the organization sends a strong message in support of quality, passion, and the future of fine dining.

Congratulations go to all participants on their outstanding achievements:
• Winner: Tom Zink | Restaurant Haerlin, Hamburg
• Runner up: Pascal Roth | Restaurant Papageno, Konstanz
• Third Place: Kay Siemianowsky | Schlosshotel Friedrichsruhe, Zweiflingen
• 4th Place: Julius Riechmann | Restaurant Gut Lärchenhof, Cologne

Karin Deißner
Chargée de Presse

Photos: Hagen Hoppenstedt, Échanson