World’s Best Sommeliers’ Selection 2026 Announced

Leading sommeliers from across the world honor 19 wines from the USA and Canada following a rigorous selection process

February 25, 2026 — In a global celebration of wine excellence, the world’s most discerning palates came together to judge the third edition of World’s Best Sommeliers’ Selection. Leading sommeliers from 17 countries across six continents gathered to taste, debate and determine the standout wines of the year. The panel were invited from the global network within The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, and led by Kristell Monot, President of the World’s Best Sommeliers’ Selection 2026, and Head Sommelier at Mugaritz, ranked No.87 in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025. The sommeliers’ final selection features 115 wines from 16 countries and spans every color, style and expression, offering a trusted benchmark that showcases everything from timeless icons to exciting new voices shaping the future of wine. The USA secured 17 wines in the selection, spanning three key regions – Texas, California and Oregon – while two red wines from Canada also earned a place.

To view the World’s Best Sommeliers’ Selection, please see here or scroll to the end of this press release.

A spokesperson for the World’s Best Sommeliers’ Selection comments: “We’re thrilled to bring the World’s Best Sommeliers’ Selection back for 2026. Featuring more than 100 wines from 16 countries, the final lineup reflects the incredible diversity of the global wine landscape – from revered classics to bold new voices in winemaking. The selection remains a trusted benchmark for on-trade professionals worldwide, and we’re proud to provide this platform where the world’s most talented sommeliers can come together to define the future of wine.”

California wines lead the way

California led the charge for the USA with six reds and one white. The six red entries ranged from Sonoma’s cool-coast Pinot Noir elegance to Paso Robles’ bold Cabernet-led intensity, illustrating why the region remains a global benchmark for premium red wine. Beyond its famed red wines, the inclusion of Aperture Cellar’s Sauvignon Blanc-Semillon blend underscores California’s ability to craft world‑class white blends.

Six wines highlight Texas’s dynamic wine scene

The evolving wine scene in Texas was on display with six wines making the selection: a combination of sparkling, white and red wines. Three producers were included, bringing together a total of 12 grape varieties, many of them Mediterranean in origin. Perissos Vineyard and Winery stood out for its mastery of warm-climate varietals, producing standout single-varietal wines, such as a bold Aglianico and a crisp Picpoul.

Burgundian elegance on display in Oregon 

Organic producer Lingua Franca represented Oregon in the selection, showcasing how the cool climate and volcanic soils of the Eola-Amity Hills are ideally suited to Burgundian-style Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, with two of each making the list. 

Larry Stone, Founder of Lingua Franca, comments: “Receiving recognition from the top sommeliers of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants for all four of our Lingua Franca wines submitted—each estate grown—is a source of special pride for our winery. The experience of these sommelier judges is unsurpassed and their perspective is unimpeachable. For all of us, recognition of world-class quality in our Estate bottlings by this esteemed panel is especially meaningful as a sign of respect and approval from a group we hold in the highest regard.”

Okanagan reds put Canada on the map

The two Canadian wines included in the selection, both produced by Mission Hill Family Estate, showcase the growing international stature of the Okanagan Valley, particularly for premium red blends. Led by Cabernet Franc and Merlot, these wines demonstrate Canada’s strength with Bordeaux varieties, signalling the country’s evolution beyond its traditional association with icewine.

Taylor Whelan, Chief Winemaker at Mission Hill Family Estate, comments: “We were thrilled to have some of the world’s top sommeliers taste our wines, which capture the unique diversity and distinctive terroir of the Okanagan Valley, highlighting varietals such as Cabernet Franc that thrive in our extraordinary region. Standing alongside some of the finest producers and being selected as a top choice is a true honor as we grow our international presence among one of the world’s most prestigious restaurant wine programs.”

The World’s Best Sommeliers’ Selection (WBSS) for 2026 is available to view here, accompanied by the sommeliers’ collective tasting notes and food pairing recommendations. The tasting panel brought together 29 sommeliers and wine directors from some of the world’s most celebrated restaurants. All the sommeliers represented venues featured in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, including Gaggan (No.6), Table by Bruno Verjus (No.8), Don Julio (No.10), Potong (No.13), Plénitude (No.14), and Ikoyi (No.15) from the 2025 list. See the full list of participating sommeliers here.

The selection serves as a global resource for sommeliers seeking interesting wines for their lists, with the assurance that every bottle has been carefully selected by fellow professionals. The website offers advanced search tools, allowing users to discover wines by terroir characteristics (such as altitude or climate), seasonality and food pairings rather than relying on the traditional filter of grape variety. For producers interested in registering wines for the 2027 selection, registrations will open on 25^th February 2026 and interested parties can request a link to register via www.worldsbestsommeliersselection.com/register. 

More details can be found at www.worldsbestsommeliersselection.com

World’s Best Sommeliers’ Selection 2026 (listed alphabetically by winery name):