Cyprus will host its first Best Champagne Sommelier competition on November 4, bringing together leading wine professionals for an event organised by CY SOMMS, the non-profit organisation representing the island’s sommeliers.
Sponsored by Champagne house Besserat de Bellefon and wine distributor Punin Wines, the competition will take place at the Alasia Hotel in Limassol, with participating sommeliers competing for the title of Best Champagne Sommelier.
The event marks a milestone for CY SOMMS in 2026, highlighting the expertise of Cyprus-based wine professionals and their knowledge of Champagne.
How the competition will work
The competition will consist of two stages. In the semi-final, participants will take a written test covering Champagne and Besserat de Bellefon, alongside a tasting and a blind-tasting challenge.
At 3pm, the Alasia Hotel will welcome the public, competitors and journalists for the final. Three finalists will compete on stage for the title of CY SOMMS Besserat de Bellefon and Punin Wines Best Champagne Sommelier.
The format is designed to test competitors’ theoretical knowledge and tasting skills, both essential elements of professional sommelier work.
Besserat de Bellefon brings its Champagne heritage to Cyprus
Founded in 1843, Besserat de Bellefon is a family-owned Champagne house whose products are distributed in more than 70 countries.
Known as BB, the house says its Champagnes are served at prominent Parisian venues, including the Louvre, the Champs-Élysées and the Moulin Rouge.
The company promotes its Champagnes as suitable for everyday enjoyment as well as food pairing, highlighting the role sommeliers play in helping customers discover wines and make informed choices.
Punin Wines supports Cyprus wine professionals
Cypriot importer and distributor Punin Wines is also sponsoring the competition.
The company offers a portfolio of more than 7,000 labels across wines, Champagnes, spirits, cigars and gourmet products. It operates two boutiques in Limassol and an online store.
CY SOMMS welcomed the support of both sponsors, describing them as longstanding members of its wider community.
The organisation said their backing for professional sommeliers was particularly important in helping promote expertise and development within the industry.
Champagne dinner to follow the competition
Following the competition, guests will have the opportunity to attend a formal Champagne dinner at the Alasia Hotel.
Priced at €95 per person, the dinner will feature a menu created by the hotel’s acclaimed chef, Pavlos Kyriakidis.
The event combines a professional competition with a dining experience centred on Champagne and food pairing.
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