Nominees in the Sommelier of the Year 2026 category

From vineyards to restaurant dining rooms, these sommeliers have made a name for themselves by working closely with terroirs and producers. Their work is invaluable, and they work closely with the chefs.

Yuna Lamarque Published on 10/6/25 at 6:27 PM

Four sommeliers are in the running for the Gault&Millau Sommelier of the Year 2026 trophy. All stand out for their exemplary careers and their passion for the trade, unearthing bottles from prestigious houses and nuggets from confidential producers.

Lionel Delsol, of Alexandre restaurant in Garons

Lionel Delsol has been head sommelier at Restaurant Alexandre since 1994. For over 30 years, he has been developing his expertise and knowledge of wine. This grounding has given him an extensive knowledge of the Languedoc terroir, bottles and winegrowers, as well as the cuisine of chef Michel Kayser. As a result, he is able to create tailor-made pairings, with a free and serene approach.

See the Gault&Millau review of Restaurant Alexandre
See Michel Kayser's Instagram account

Marion Cirino, of L'Ambroisie restaurant in Paris

Marion Cirino started out far from wine... close to music. But her career was redirected towards sommellerie when she joined a restaurant in the early 2000s. To set herself apart, the sommelier devised a menu of lively, singular wines from small producers. In 2023, she joined L'Ambroisie, working with Bernard Pacaud and then chef Shintaro Awa. Marion Cirino is committed to offering exceptional pairings and moments.

See Gault&Millau's review of L'Ambroisie
See L'Ambroisie's Instagram account

Scottie Millot, of Michel Sarran's restaurant in Toulouse

After a career punctuated by adventures far from wine, Scottie Millot discovered sommellerie while organizing galas for the Corps Consulaire in Lyon. A revelation that opened up a new path for her. She then joined a number of establishments, from Bordeaux to Toulouse, via Lyon. In particular, she worked with Christian Têtedoie, where she rose through the ranks to head up a brigade of 10 sommeliers. In 2023, she continued her career with Michel Sarran in Toulouse, where she continues to put forward her modern and audacious vision of the milieu.

See Gault&Millau's review of Michel Sarran
See Scottie Millot's Instagram account

Edmond Gasser, from Pic to Valence

Born in Paris, Edmond Gasser found his calling while working in the kitchen during his hotel training. He then discovered the sommelier profession, and became passionate about it. After obtaining an additional qualification in sommellerie, he became assistant sommelier at the George V, then in Germany and Switzerland. He discovered Anne-Sophie Pic in Lausanne, a turning point in his career. Since 2020, he has been head sommelier at Maison Pic in Valence. A career full of wonderful encounters, which had already earned him the Sommelier 2020 award from Gault&Millau Switzerland.