Vanessa Stoltz, restaurant manager and head sommelier at Pine in Northumberland, has been ranked number 22 in the fourth edition of the Taylor’s Port UK Top 100 Sommeliers List.
Vanessa, the only North East-based sommelier on the list, first entered the top 100 in 2024, debuting at number 45 and receiving a special commendation as one to watch. Last year, she climbed to number 26, and this year she has risen a further four places.
The Taylor’s Port UK Top 100 Sommeliers List celebrates the skill, knowledge and professionalism of sommeliers across the UK, recognising those who embody excellence in wine service. Nominees are put forward by industry peers, fellow sommeliers and diners. They are then rigorously assessed by an expert panel that evaluates career achievements, education, experience, daily responsibilities and competition performance – benchmarking each candidate against a stringent set of criteria before assigning a final ranking.
This year’s list marked a milestone moment, with organisers noting that the top-ranked UK sommelier is female and that nearly half of the top 50 were women, reflecting progress in a traditionally male-dominated field.
Vanessa said: “To maintain your place in a list like this requires constant learning, keeping pace not just with wine but across the full spectrum of drinks service from beer and spirits to sake and no- and low-alcohol alternatives. It demands real passion and dedication, and I think people don’t always appreciate the effort that goes into it – that’s why recognition like this means so much. I’m proud to fly the flag for the North East and delighted that the top 100 continues to shine a light on the role sommeliers play in delivering truly exceptional guest experiences.”
Pine operations director and co-owner Sian Byerley added: “We couldn’t be prouder of Vanessa. To feature in the top 100 for a third consecutive year and to have climbed from 45 on debut to 22 today is a remarkable journey, and one that reflects her thirst for knowledge and her unwavering commitment to her guests. She is an enormous asset to Pine and an ambassador for hospitality in the North East.”
