News
Our Head Sommelier represents Sweden in the Nordic Championships
John Sterner, our Head Sommelier at The Winery Hotel, will be representing Sweden at this autumn’s Nordic Sommelier Championship. We took the opportunity to catch up with him for a quick chat about how preparations are going, his best competition tips and his favourites from the hotel’s wine cellar list this summer.
You placed an impressive second in the Swedish Sommelier Championship earlier this year and now you’ll be representing Sweden at the Nordic level! Tell us more.
Exactly! The top two sommeliers from each Nordic country will compete for the title of best sommelier in the Nordics. The competition includes a mix of theory, blind tastings, champagne service, decanting, time-based service challenges and food and wine pairings. It all takes place on Sunday 28th September here in Stockholm.
It sounds intense – we imagine your training is in full swing. How are you preparing?
Right now, my main focus is on studying theory. After the summer season, the focus will shift to more practical training, especially with the Swedish National Sommelier Team. That’s when we’ll start polishing the final details.
What would you say is the biggest challenge when competing in sommelier competitions?
For me, the hardest part is finding the time to study, especially with two small kids at home! Life’s pretty full-on. Apart from that, it’s a challenge to get the level of studying just right. The trick is to find the right depth – not making it too easy, but also not overcomplicating things. And then, of course, there’s blind tasting – it keeps you humble. No matter how much you taste, you still stumble on the easy wines sometimes and then surprise yourself by nailing something tough.
What would you say to someone who’s considering competing but hasn’t taken the step yet? Any advice?
Just go for it! Honestly, the worst that can happen is you’ll learn loads about wine and build a great network for the future. My biggest tip is to find a mentor and to not be afraid to ask for help. Personally, I train with my teammates in the National Sommelier Team whenever I get the chance.
You’ve developed The Winery Hotel’s wine cellar list, now featuring over 1,300 references, which recently earned an "Best of Award of Excellence" in 2025 Wine Spectator’s Restaurant Awards. What can a wine-loving guest expect from it?
The list is fairly extensive but still quite focused. I think it’s becoming more and more well-balanced. The classic regions are well represented, but we also dive deep into Chianti Classico for reds and explore Austria for whites.
And finally what’s your personal favourite to drink from the list this summer?
This time of the year, I’m all about bubbles and white wine. I’d love to highlight Aurore Casanova, a small grower in Champagne making absolutely stunning wines. And of course, Terreno Bianco Professore from our very own vineyard, Terreno. It’s a proper summer wine that pairs beautifully with just about everything!
