Vanessa Stoltz, head sommelier at Pine, in Northumberland, discovered earlier this week (Monday yesterday 01st July) that she had been listed at number 20 in the prestigious Harper’s Sommelier list for 2024.
The Harper’s list, newly expanded for 2024, from 25 to 50, now better reflects the wealth of talent that exists in the UK’s sommelier world and is the ultimate list of the best of the best in this hugely important part of the hospitality industry.
Each entrant in the list was nominated by Harper’s readership and subsequently judged by their peers and contemporaries across the drinks trade. Each of the listed nominees has been selected because they are consummate professionals who have shone, turning the judges’ heads, and impressing with their all-round approach to delivering an engaging individual drinks experience.
The Harper’s list is a little different in its approach to most drinks-led competitions in that it judges sommeliers, their lists and their broader drinks offer, with a clear emphasis on suitability for the style of establishment and expectation of the clientele. Truly reflecting the wealth of talent working in the UK’s very diverse restaurant offerings.
Harper’s top 50 acknowledgement remarks: ‘’The cheering illustrations sprinkled on this concise list point the way to Stoltz’s ethos of keeping the selection small, neat, and fun, but all the while daring to be different. Local and British beverages take pride of place, backed by all British-pairing flights, with sustainability always at the fore. Stoltz’s knowledge, passion and winning enthusiasm does the rest, backed by an impressive career to date.’’
Vanessa who previously joined the Master Court of Sommeliers in 2023, having passed both her Introductory and Certified Sommelier exams, and recently featured in the second-ever edition of the Sommelier Edit UK Top 100 Sommeliers list said: ‘’ I can’t quite comprehend what’s happened in the last few weeks. To be included in two prestigious sommelier lists is out of this world and I’m totally thrilled, and if I’m honest I’m a little bit lost for words too.’’
Sian Byerley Pine’s co-owner and restaurant manager commented: ‘’We couldn’t be prouder of Vanessa. Her knowledge and passion for what she does is infectious. Being recognised by her industry peers acknowledges her drinks journey during her career so far and we can’t wait to see how she progresses even further in the coming years.’’