Ukrainian Wine Community Shines at the 2025 National Competitions of Cavists and Sommeliers and the X International Forum of Winemakers and Sommeliers

On November 23, within the framework of the X International Forum of Winemakers and Sommeliers, Kyiv hosted the 2025 National Competitions of Cavists and Sommeliers - a large-scale event that brought together the best professionals of Ukraine’s wine industry.

The finals, traditionally held at InterContinental Kyiv, gathered experts, partners, and all those who contribute to the development of wine culture in Ukraine. Participants demonstrated their skills in a series of challenging and engaging tasks: wine presentations in English, blind tastings, food pairings, work with sparkling wines, and decanting.

The teams of Big Wines, Vinos de La Luz, and 46 Parallel express sincere gratitude to their friends and partners who support the development of wine culture in Ukraine:
Villa Tinta, Masottina, Pere Ventura, Ackerman, Morshynska, Globino, Dooobra Ferma, Tintarella, BEANS, the Academy of Labour, Social Relations and Tourism.

Special thanks to our media partners:
Drinks, Napoї ta Tekhnolohii, Kyiv Diplomatic, Main People.

Congratulations to the Winners!

Finalists of the IX National Cavist Competition “Best Cavist of Ukraine - 2025”:
1st place - Yevhen Boyko, Kyiv, “Fozzy Group”
2nd place - Yevhen Briukhovych, Kyiv, “WINETIME”
3rd place - Nazar Kohut, Ivano-Frankivsk, “Okwine”

Finalists of the XXII National Sommelier Competition “Master Sommelier - 2025”:
1st place - Mykyta Lysyi, Kyiv, restaurant “VERO-VERO”
2nd place - Ivan Honcharenko, InterContinental Kyiv
3rd place - Yuliia Kolomiiets, Kyiv

Special appreciation to the professional jury for their expertise, support, and high evaluation standards:

• Nataliia Blahopoluchna - Jury Secretary, President of the Ukrainian Association of Winemakers and Sommeliers, Head of the First Ukrainian Sommelier School “Master-Class”
• Ricardo Nuñez - Owner of the international wine group Vinos de La Luz
• Nataliia Burlachenko - CEO of Big Wines & 46 Parallel
• Yehor Bielov - Head Sommelier of InterContinental Kyiv, Best Sommelier of Ukraine 2018
• Oleh Kravchenko - Co-owner of WinBar, Best Sommelier of Ukraine 2011
• Bohdan Dukal - Head of Wine Category at “WINETIME”
• Yevhen Brodiuk - Best Cavist of Ukraine 2024
• Andrii Bilyi - Cheese Technologist at “Dooobra Ferma”
• Nataliia Sokolovska - Best Sommelier of Ukraine 2024

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Nataliia and Mykola Blahopoluchni and the Sommelier School “Master-Class” for organizing this exceptional and professional event. It was a celebration of mastery, friendship, and a deep love for wine.

We are proud of our wine community and already look forward to next year!