The Association des Sommeliers du Liban (ASLIB) is a proud member of the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI), the global organization for sommeliers. Through this membership, our members have the opportunity to represent Lebanon in the Africa & Middle East Championships as well as the World Sommelier Championship.
For sommeliers aiming to compete on the international stage, the Lebanese Sommelier Championship is the essential first step.
Organized every two years by ASLIB, the Lebanese Championship celebrates excellence in wine service and hospitality, while giving participants the chance to showcase their skills and knowledge on an international level.
Best Sommelier of Lebanon 2026
Lebanon Selects Its Candidate for ASI Best Sommelier of the World Amid Challenging Times
In a year marked by uncertainty and logistical complexity, Lebanon’s sommelier community has demonstrated resilience, professionalism, and unity in successfully conducting its national selection for the ASI Best Sommelier of the World competition.
Faced with significant constraints, Joseph Mounayer, President of the Lebanese Sommelier Association (ASLIB), outlined the difficult decision-making process:
“Given the situation in Lebanon, we had two options. Either we cancel the selection entirely, as we could not fly in judges, or we find a way to adapt and organize it online.”
Following extensive discussions—most notably with Jean-Vincent Ridon—ASLIB chose to embrace innovation and proceed with a fully digital competition format. While unconventional, this approach ensured that Lebanese talent would still have the opportunity to compete on the global stage.
A Rigorous and Modern Competition Format
Despite the remote setting, the selection process remained faithful to the high standards expected of an ASI-level competition. Candidates were evaluated through a series of demanding theoretical and practical examinations designed to test the full spectrum of sommelier expertise.
The competition included:
- Advanced blind tastings requiring precision, structure, and clarity of analysis
- Wine theory and regional knowledge assessments
- Food and wine pairing exercises
- Service simulations adapted to a digital environment, testing communication, composure, and technical accuracy
The ability to perform under pressure—without the traditional physical setting—added an extra layer of complexity, making this edition particularly challenging and unique.
An Exceptional Jury
To ensure the integrity and excellence of the selection, ASLIB assembled a distinguished international panel of judges:
- Jean-Vincent Ridon
- Dominique Laporte
- Higgo Jacobs
This eminent trio brought together decades of experience at the highest level of global sommellerie. Their involvement guaranteed a fair, rigorous, and internationally benchmarked evaluation process.
ASLIB extends its sincere gratitude to the judges for their dedication, professionalism, and generosity. Their willingness to adapt to the online format and contribute their time and expertise was instrumental in the success of the competition. Their presence not only elevated the level of the event but also reinforced Lebanon’s connection to the international sommelier community.
A High-Level Final
The competition culminated in a compelling final between two outstanding candidates:
- Joseph Haddad, the reigning Best Sommelier of Lebanon, currently working at Butlers
- Albin Mounayer, a 23-year-old rising talent
Mounayer has quickly established himself as one of the most promising young sommeliers in the region. He works closely with Musée du Liban as an ambassador and sommelier, leading tastings and events, while also managing a wine import company and working in a wine bar that offers an exceptional selection of approximately 400 wines by the glass.
The final round was both rigorous and closely contested, reflecting the high level of preparation and professionalism of both candidates.
A New Generation Emerges
After an intense and demanding final, it was Albin Mounayer who was ultimately declared the winner. His performance stood out for its precision, composure, and modern approach to sommellerie.
Mounayer will now go on to represent Lebanon at the ASI Best Sommelier of the World competition, carrying with him not only his personal ambition but also the hopes and pride of an entire national community.
Resilience Through Sommellerie
This successful selection is more than a competition result—it is a testament to the determination and unity of Lebanon’s sommeliers. In the face of adversity, ASLIB and its members chose innovation over cancellation, ensuring continuity and visibility on the world stage.
As Joseph Mounayer aptly concluded, the experience reflects a broader message:
“Our goal was not only to select a candidate, but to show that Lebanese sommellerie continues to move forward, no matter the circumstances.”
With a new generation emerging and strong ties to the international community, Lebanon once again proves that excellence in wine transcends borders—and challenges.
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