Taylor’s, the quintessential Port house and guardian of centuries-old winemaking tradition, is proud to announce the Taylor’s Port Vintage Year’s | Sommelier Challenge 2025 — a competition celebrating excellence in wine knowledge, sensory finesse, and the enduring allure of Vintage Port.
Renowned the world over for its monumental structure, aromatic power, and elegant restraint, Taylor’s Vintage Port represents the pinnacle of the Port tradition. Each bottle is a testament to centuries of viticultural mastery and the unique character of the Douro Valley. Now, we invite the next generation of sommeliers to step forward and champion this iconic wine.
The Challenge: Education, Exploration and Expertise
Taking place in the historic Napoleon Cellar at Berry Bros. & Rudd in London’s St. James’s on Monday, 14th July 2025, the challenge will be hosted and judged by none other than David Guimaraens, Technical Director and Head Winemaker at The Fladgate Partnership.
The event will begin with an exclusive Vintage Port Seminar and Port Tong Masterclass, offering participants rare insights into the intricate artistry of Vintage Port service and cellar potential.
Thereafter, sommeliers will face a rigorous blind tasting of six Taylor’s Vintage Ports spanning six decades. This is no mere test of palate — competitors will be asked to provide:
- Detailed tasting notes
- Ideal drinking windows
- Food pairings tailored to their own restaurant menus
Participants will be given one week to refine their entries before submitting them for final assessment.
A Journey Worth Competing For
The sommelier who most impresses the judging panel will win a two-night stay at The Yeatman Hotel in Porto, one of Europe’s most prestigious wine hotels. The prize includes fine dining, a private tasting with David Guimaraens, and a selection of Taylor’s Vintage Ports to savour and share.
Prizes will also be awarded to the second, third, fourth, and fifth-placed competitors, recognising outstanding talent across the field.
Entry and Details
- Date: Monday, 14th July 2025
- Time: 12:30pm – 4:00pm
- Location: Napoleon Cellar, Berry Bros & Rudd, 3 St. James Street, London SW1A 1EG
- Entry: By invitation only
- Application Deadline: 30th June 2025
Applications are now open. If you are among the United Kingdom’s most passionate and proficient sommeliers, this is your moment to join the Taylor’s legacy — and help lead the Vintage Port movement into a new golden age.