The best sommelier in the Baltic states is Ignatij Semionov from Lithuania

27.10.2025

At the Vana Tallinn Baltic Sommelier Grand Prix, the title of the best sommelier in the Baltic states went to Ignatij Semionov from Lithuania. In the spectacular final held in Vilnius, second place was awarded to Aleksei Pogrebnoi from Estonia. Kevin Lilleleht from Estonia took third place. Fourth place went to Madara Greize-Kapzema from Latvia. The title of best young sommelier was won by Ernestas Sadauskas from Lithuania.

Gallery: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/5s3gcu8o96hlm46pwnrpg/ALtu26TO_43zd_VZ2Sw_Yt0?rlkey=kj723m4l9p5k7h64iq22w351f&st=fuhc9ch1&dl=0 (photographer: Alina Pasiuk).

“The competition was very dynamic and kept us fully engaged, with plenty of exciting and unexpected challenges. The level of the Baltic Sommelier Grand Prixis truly impressive, and this year’s championship showcased it perfectly. There’s a strong ambition to keep developing and raising the bar even higher. One of our strengths as Baltic sommeliers is our curiosity – we’re not tied to a single wine region. We want to explore and understand the entire world of wine, which gives us a broader, more precise perspective on our craft,” said the best sommelier in the Baltic states, Ignatij Semionov.

“The masterminds behind the competition are themselves winners or top-ranking contenders from the World and European Sommelier Championships. The competition is designed to meet that same level of excellence. All participants – especially those who make it to the finals – must demonstrate exceptional skill. The tests are extremely demanding, including rigorous theoretical exams and highly creative, unexpected practical tasks. It’s a competition that not only challenges participants but also reveals those ready to stand among the best sommeliers in the world,” said jury chair, President of the Lithuanian Sommelier Association, Arminas Darasevičius.

“As every year, the standard among participants at the Vana Tallinn Grand Prix was extremely high – the competition brought together the best sommeliers and outstanding young talents from all three countries, each demonstrating remarkable knowledge and professionalism. The contest is never easy, but an international challenge like the Vana Tallinn Grand Prix gives the very best sommeliers a chance to truly test themselves,” said jury member and Liviko sommelier Urvo Ugandi.

Liviko has awarded a 1,500-euro prize to the best sommelier in the Baltic states.

Three top sommeliers from each Baltic state competed for the title of the region’s best sommelier. Each country was also represented by one young sommelier, giving emerging professionals the opportunity to gain international experience.

Representing Estonia in the competition for the Baltic states’ best sommelier were Aleksei Pogrebnoi (NOA Chef’s Hall), Federico Grasso (Controvento) and Kevin Lilleleht (180° by Matthias Diether), joined by young sommelier Siim Lümat (Vixen Vinoteek). Latvia was represented by Madara Greize-Kapzema (Barents), Uldis Grigalis (Max Cekot Kitchen), Pēteris Vaskis (Gongu / MV Group) and young sommelier Paulis Dzenis (Barents). Competing from Lithuania were Kristijonas Valančiūnas (Valhalla Baras), Ignatij Semionov (Saint-Malo), Ugnė Mažutaitytė (Gaston) and young sommelier Ernestas Sadauskas (HeJi). Poland was represented by Paulina Sitarz from Bottiglieria 1881.

At the annual competition, sommeliers’ knowledge is tested both in theory and in practice. On the first day, participants complete a written test and solve practical tasks. The four best competitors advance to the final on the second day, where they demonstrate their knowledge and skills before the jury and audience through a series of surprise challenges. In previous years, finalists have faced tests such as blind tastings, decanting, correcting wine lists and recommending drink pairings for multi-course dinners. The international jury included representatives from all participating countries.

The Vana Tallinn Baltic Sommelier Grand Prix has been held annually since 2006. It was established to promote a responsible drinking culture, in which sommeliers play a key role. The competition is named after Estonia’s most popular liqueur, Vana Tallinn, and has been organised by Liviko in cooperation with the sommelier associations of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.