Sommelier of the Year 2026: Marion Cirino crowned by Gault&Millau

The sommelier from the L'Ambroisie restaurant (5 toques d'or) received the distinction of Sommelier of the Year 2026 at the annual Gault&Millau ceremony, held at the Maison de la Mutualité in Paris on Monday November 17. This category rewards "sommeliers who listen to their customers, who know how to make suggestions without ostracism", as explained by Marc Esquerré, Director of Guides and Surveys. Three other talents were nominated for this award: Lionel Delsol, from Restaurant Alexandre in Garons, Scottie Millot, from Restaurant Michel Sarran in Toulouse and Edmond Gasser, from Restaurant Pic in Valence.

Very moved to receive this award, the winner said: "I'm very touched because I've had an atypical career. I'm very happy with the team I work with". She didn't fail to thank her superiors "because I'm very dear to them", she added, amused.

A visionary Sommelier who listens

Originally a professional harpist, Marion Cirino was heading for a life in the orchestra. Then she met chef Bruno Cirino, whom she joined in 2001 atHostellerie Jérôme in La Turbie. She started out as a receptionist, but soon discovered her vocation as a sommelier.

A visionary, Marion Cirino chose to turn to small producers - some of whom would go on to become legendary estates - in order to build a cellar that broke away from the great classics. The result is a singular, lively cellar.

In 2023, she left La Turbie and joined the ranks of L'Ambroisie. First with Bernard Pacaud, and for the past few months with Shintaro Awa, she has "totally rethought the philosophy of the wines". She offers a complete experience, with a focus on pampering her guests.

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

"We're very proud to be with you, to represent Alsace and to make beautiful products for your customers," said Noémie Meyer Ferré, owner-manager of Domaine Sainte Joie.