AIS Veneto: Nicola Martin is the Best Sommelier of Veneto 2026

Nicola Martin is the Best Sommelier of Veneto 2026 : 28 years old from Due Carrare (Padua), he belongs to the Padua delegation and took first place in the prestigious competition organized annually by the Italian Sommelier Association – AIS Veneto . Second and third place respectively went to Omar Crosera of the Venice delegation and Agatha Facchin of the Vicenza delegation.

Martin, who graduated from AIS in 2023, is a professional sommelier and currently works at the Exforo restaurant in Padua. The competition, which pitted seven candidates for the title, was held on Saturday, June 13th at the Novotel in Mestre (Venice).

"I welcome this great achievement with gratitude and humility, knowing that every milestone represents, above all, the beginning of new challenges," says Nicola Martin . "Winning is a tremendous satisfaction, the fruit of an intense challenge, rich in emotions and talents. From the world of dining, choosing to dedicate myself to wine has profoundly changed my approach to this profession, providing me with boundless opportunities for growth. I thank AIS Veneto, which has always been a family to me, even before an association, the previous champions who inspired me, and all the people who have supported me, especially my daughter, who has always cheered me on from home."

"Every year this competition surprises me," says AIS Veneto President Gianpaolo Breda , "because behind every test, not only does the candidates' preparation shine through, but their ability to interpret wine, describe it, and convey its cultural value. Seeing these professionals compete with dedication, expertise, and a desire to grow is one of the most beautiful moments in the association's life. The Best Sommelier of Veneto isn't simply the one who knows wine best, but the one who can transform knowledge, sensitivity, and experience into a communication tool that serves the region and its people."

Contest participants wrote a report, tasted and described two Veneto wines, took a wine pairing test, and completed a questionnaire. The top three finishers then went on to the stage, where the jury evaluated their knowledge of not only wine but also beer and spirits, the quality of service, and communication across three themes: in-depth analysis of the region and appellations, the role and experience of a famous figure in the wine scene, and the description of an iconic label.

The winner received a study trip to Portugal offered by Amorim Cork and automatic admission to the semifinals of the Best Sommelier of Italy Competition. Furthermore, as a national ambassador for Veneto wine, he will be involved in events and communication activities related to the region's wines until the next edition of the competition. Competition.

The jury of experts who elected Martin as Best Sommelier of the Veneto was composed of the President of AIS Veneto Gianpaolo Breda, the Best Sommelier of Italy AIS 2023 Cristian Maitan, the Regional Services Area Manager Giancarlo Cestaro, the Best Sommelier of the Veneto 2025 Alberto Toffanello, the expert designated by AIS Stefano Zaninotto and the spirits expert Andrea Maschio.