Norway’s Nikolai Haram Svorte is named Best Sommelier of the Nordics 2025
On 28 September, Nikolai Haram Svorte, from Norway was crowned the Best Sommelier of the Nordics 2025. At an event held at Sergel Hub in Stockholm, Sweden took both second and third place.
Each year, two candidates from each Nordic country get the chance to compete for the prestigious title of Best Sommelier of the Nordics. This year’s event was organised by the Swedish Sommelier Association and saw three finalists tested in everything from bling tasting and decanting, to theoretical knowledge and guest service.
Second place in the competition was awarded to Albert Wendesten, Head Sommelier at Frantzén, and third went to John Sterner, Head Sommelier at The Winery Hotel, both in Stockholm.
Day to day, winner Nikolai works as a sales and product manager at the wine importer Remuage by Moestue in Oslo. “It’s really huge,” he told us after his victory. “I’ve been working toward this for many years. This is my fourth final, and finally I won after having come second and third in previous years.”
What are you most proud of?
“That I managed to keep up my motivation and pull myself together after earlier second and third places. It’s ups and downs, but my greatest strength is discipline. I decide a plan and then follow it. This year I increased my study time – almost to the point where it became too demanding – but in the end it paid off.”
What has been the biggest challenge?
“The competition was close and there were many different elements under time pressure. It was tough to keep my energy up throughout the final. My strength is everything related to wine, while cocktails and beer are more difficult, but I’ve improved.”
Do you have any advice for those thinking of competing next year?
“All of us who compete suffer from nerves and I’m no exception, so I don’t think waiting helps. You’ll never feel ready, and you learn so much by taking part. It helps you understand your weaknesses better. So I’d say: the earlier you take part, the better.”
What’s your goal for the future?
“This has been a big goal for three years, and now I want to participate in the world championships next year. Hopefully I’ll be chosen as the Norwegian candidate – we’ll see. It’s easy to lose motivation when you win, but I want to keep building and developing.”
Anything you’d like to add?
“I’d like to thank the Swedish Sommelier Association for a well-organised event, and the Norwegian association for all the support I’ve received. It means a lot.”
How will you celebrate?
“As soon as I get back to Oslo there’ll be a big Champagne dinner in my apartment.”
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