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The winner of the Best Sommelier of Ukraine competition, organized by the Ukrainian Sommelier Association, has been determined.
The world of wine is not just about delicate aromas, refined flavors, and lingering finishes. It is also a test of intellect, discipline, intuition, and true artistry. After a long pause caused by the full-scale invasion, the Best Sommelier of Ukraine competition made its return – proving that even in the darkest times, skill and passion remain unbreakable. This year, the competition was more than just a contest to determine the winner and finalists. Amid the realities of war, it became a test – of unity, resilience, and, ultimately, courage – for the entire Ukrainian sommelier community. And today, without unnecessary pathos, every professional in this field can proudly say: “We are the best!”
This year, the competition took place within the modern walls of the Parkovy Convention and Exhibition Center, where every detail emphasized the prestige and high caliber of the event. The international media partner, Drinks+ communications group, actively supported the initiative, closely followed the confident actions of the experienced organizers, monitored the selection of candidates, and covered the grand finale – continuing to highlight all key moments of the competition. I won’t recount all the twists and turns of the competition, where the country’s top sommeliers showcased their skills. Instead, let’s dive straight into the most exciting part – the grand finale.
From the very first moments, the atmosphere was charged with professionalism, anticipation, and adrenaline. Every stage of the event was meticulously planned and masterfully executed. The evening kicked off with tastings presented by the event’s partners – Marusia Beverages Ukraine and SHABO.
A guided tasting led by SHABO brand ambassador Oleg Antipin captivated guests with an exquisite selection of sparkling wines. Each glass told a story of winemaking mastery, unveiled new trends – such as sparkling wine made from the Telti Kuruk grape – and once again showcased the high level and potential of Ukrainian winemaking.
Hanna Kovalevska, a member of the Ukrainian Sommelier Association and a prominent figure in the national wine industry, presented wines from Château Mukhrani. She skillfully introduced the noble white Goruli Mtsvane and two distinctive Saperavi wines, which impressed guests with their depth of flavor and refined character. Her presentation brought to life the history of the legendary château, echoing centuries of tradition and winemaking artistry passed down through generations.
This was more than just a presentation – it was a true journey into the world of wine harmony, where each sip revealed a new facet of winemaking mastery. Guests enjoyed the wines and expert commentary, while the anticipation among the contestants grew. Everyone was waiting for the resolution of the main intrigue – the announcement of the finalists.
After a short break, the moment arrived. And, to be honest, this year’s top three finalists formed one of the strongest line-ups in all of Drinks+’s history of observing Ukrainian sommelier competitions. The finalists were Ihor Postoiankin, Pavlo Mnukhin, and Olga Hirman. The semi-finalists included Oleksii Bondar (Vinnytsia) and Pavlo Kuznetsov (Odesa). The final stage promised to be anything but dull.
The finalists faced a series of rigorous challenges that required not only extensive knowledge but also a high level of skill, quick reflexes, and the ability to perform under intense pressure. Each task was carefully designed (of course – it was developed by true professionals from the ASU leadership!) to reveal the contestants’ best professional qualities and test their ability to navigate complex situations.
The competition was conducted in English and included the following tasks:
The contestants showcased their talent, resilience, and mastery, overcoming intricate challenges that demanded not just knowledge but lightning-fast reactions and flawless service. And finally, the most anticipated moment – the announcement of the winner. After an intense and thrilling competition, the panel of judges – including past champions of Best Sommelier of Ukraine, honorary jury members, and representatives of the All Ukrainian Bartenders Association, Iryna Mashykhina and Andrii Petrovskyi – made their final decision.
The winner of the competition and the title of “Best Sommelier of Ukraine 2025” was awarded to Ihor Postoiankin. Vice-champion and best theorist of the competition – Pavlo Mnukhin. Third place and the title of “Best Nose of Ukraine 2025” – Olga Hirman.
Of course, we couldn’t miss the opportunity to speak with the organizers and winners of the competition to hear firsthand about the challenges of the trials, the surprises in the tasks, and their initial impressions of this exceptional event. Ivan Bachurin, President of the Ukrainian Sommelier Association, shared his thoughts: “When the Board decided to hold the competition, we took on a great responsibility in these challenging times. We managed to organize an event that was engaging for guests, professional for industry representatives, and exciting for a wider audience. The competition tasks were designed to closely mirror those faced by Ukrainian sommeliers in international championships. For example, participants encountered tricky challenges related to the level of effervescence in sparkling wines, serving temperatures, and glass cleanliness.
Thanks to the support of our partners and the incredible efforts of the Association’s Board team, we were able to raise the bar for this competition and bring more attention to a profession that, like the entire country, is going through difficult times. However, based on my experience as a judge since 2011 and as an organizer of championships since 2018, I have noticed a decline in the overall qualification level of participants. We must work to restore the prestige of this profession. That’s why we decided to conduct all competition tasks exclusively in English this year, adding an extra challenge for the candidates. After all, it is professionalism and attention to detail that distinguish a true master from an amateur.”
The Vice President of the Association, Nataliia Vilinska, noted that this year the team put in tremendous effort to make the competition even larger in scale and more professional than in previous years.
“The world doesn’t stand still, and we must move forward. Many said that now was not the time, but I was confident that we would succeed. And it seems we managed to hold the competition at a truly high level,” shared Nataliia.
Speaking about the preparation, she noted that the organizational process lasted almost two months: negotiations with venues, coordination with partners, and working with the technical team, which ensured flawless support over the two days. This time, the Association’s archive will not only include photos but also a professional video of the competition, which was broadcast live.
“For the past six years, I have regularly attended ASI events and competitions in the Baltic countries. Thanks to professionals like Raimonds Tomsons and Jānis Kaļķis (Latvia), Arminas Darasevičius (Lithuania), and Kristjan Markii (Estonia), I have come a long way in judging, organizing competitions, and working with partners and participants. There’s still a lot that remains behind the scenes – those are plans for the future.
We take the global Association as our benchmark because our best sommeliers must represent Ukraine with dignity on the international stage. In ASI, every competition is a game, and this year, we decided to join in alongside the jury, the board, and the participants. I am sure you noticed it – this competition was unlike any before. And the next ones won’t be like this one either because we are not going to stop,” concluded Nataliia.
After the final competitions, when the tension had eased and the winners and finalists could finally catch their breath, we asked them about their impressions. They had successfully tackled all challenges, quickly adapted to unexpected tasks, and – interestingly – agreed that modern sommeliers should pay more attention to cocktail culture.
Despite this, debates continued behind the scenes: do sommeliers really need cocktails? Some argued that a wine service expert should focus exclusively on wine and neat spirits. Meanwhile, others emphasized that the modern world sets new standards, and the more a professional knows, the more opportunities open up.
After all, mixology is not just about blending drinks – it’s a deep understanding of balance, textures, and aromas. Today’s sommelier must be more than just a wine expert; they should be a true gastronomic consultant, capable of crafting perfect pairings, staying ahead of trends, and surprising guests with unexpected flavor discoveries.
Perhaps this very competition will mark the beginning of a new perspective on the sommelier profession in Ukraine? Time will tell, but one thing is certain – growth and the pursuit of knowledge will always be the key to success.
Ihor Postoiankin, Best Sommelier of Ukraine 2025, head sommelier at CATCH, and co-founder of Ginius LTC:
“This competition was special for me – I felt confident, not just in the contest but in my profession as a whole. Ten years of experience paid off. The tasks were tougher, the competitors stronger, and it was an honor to compete with Pavlo and Olga. I saw the competition as a chance to showcase my service philosophy – like working in a new restaurant. Maintaining focus until the very end was the hardest part. Mastery isn’t just knowledge, it’s the ability to adapt – whether it’s a warm bottle, a dirty glass, or an unfamiliar cocktail. The competition is growing, but there’s still room for expansion – I’d love to see a bigger stage and audience. After all, this is the ‘Champions League Final’ of Ukraine’s wine world!”
Pavlo Mnukhin, Vice-Champion & Best Theorist, HoReCa Manager at Wine Bureau:
“The competition was fantastic! The challenges matched global standards, making it an invaluable experience. It was dynamic, tough, and thrilling. One thing’s clear – I need to focus more on cocktails! Wine culture and mixology go hand in hand, and this skill is becoming more relevant. Above all, the energy, excitement, and genuine passion made it an unforgettable celebration of our craft.”
Olha Hirman, Finalist, sommelier at Goodwine, founder of “Vynni Vechornytsi”:
“I’m happy with my result, especially considering the last competition was before the war. This event is an incredible opportunity for sommeliers to test their skills and grow. Huge thanks to the organizers – pulling off an event of this level under current circumstances is a true achievement. The competition felt world-class, and the 100 theoretical questions were tougher than ever, adding to the challenge. It’s unfortunate that many colleagues couldn’t participate due to the situation in the country, but those who did were incredible. Don’t fear mistakes – keep learning, improving, and striving for excellence!”
The Best Sommelier of Ukraine 2025 competition was more than just a contest – it was a testament to the strength of Ukraine’s sommelier community, its commitment to growth, and alignment with international standards. Participants, judges, and organizers all praised the high level of preparation and execution, reinforcing the importance of advancing wine culture in Ukraine. The event once again proved that the sommelier profession in Ukraine is evolving, and its representatives are ready for new challenges.
Despite the difficulties the country faces, this competition became a symbol of resilience, inspiration, and the pursuit of excellence. May the coming years bring even more remarkable discoveries, professional achievements, and unforgettable moments. Wishing for Victory – so that future competitions take place in a peaceful and prosperous Ukraine!
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