Portugal’s new generation of sommeliers came together for the 2026 edition of the National Jeunes Sommeliers Competition, which this year also carried the title of Best Young Sommelier of Portugal.

The prestigious event, organized by the Bailliage of Portugal and presided over by Portugal’s Échanson, Eugénia Queiroz, took place at Feitoria Restaurant, part of the Altis Hotels Group and owned by our confrère Raul Martins. The winner has the honour of representing Portugal at the International Final of the competition, to be held in Båstad, Sweden, this October.

Throughout the competition, participants faced a demanding series of theoretical and practical challenges designed to assess their knowledge, technical skills, precision and service abilities. The tests included food and wine pairing exercises, restaurant service tasks and blind wine tastings, all aimed at identifying the most promising young professional in Portuguese sommellerie.

Following a highly competitive contest judged by a distinguished panel, Tiago Franco of JNcQUOI Fish claimed first place and was crowned Young Sommelier of Portugal 2026. Gonçalo Ferreira of JNcQUOI Frou Frou secured the Runner-up spot, while Bernardo Felismino of Vila Vita Parc Resort & Spa completed the podium in Third Place.

With this victory, Tiago Franco earned the right to represent Portugal at the 2026 International Final of the Chaîne’s Jeunes Sommeliers Competition where he will compete against some of the world’s most talented young sommeliers for the association’s most prestigious international title.

Once again, Portugal’s participation highlights the quality, professionalism and growing international recognition of the country’s sommellerie sector.

Marie-Anne Ferran
Chancelier