SOMMELIER AWARD – in cooperation with La Rioja Alta SA

“Since the beginning, we’ve prided ourselves on a warm welcome and excellent service.”

Our winner of the 2022 Sommelier Award is Hans-Jörg Unterrainer from Restaurant Kirchenwirt Leogang since 1326, in Austria. Hans-Jörg exhibits great soul and spirit when it comes to the well-being of his guests. This Sommelier creates a culture of excellence that takes great care of everything, in a perfect ambience, to a carefully curated wine cellar, right down to the ability to support young professionals to excel in the art of outstanding service. Together with La Rioja Alta SA we bestow this Sommelier Award to the most outstanding JRE in this field.

HERITAGE AWARD – in cooperation with Parmigiano Reggiano

“Heritage is a dialogue between the past and the future.”

 JRE has been committed to keeping tradition alive for over 48 years, gathering together a veritable pool of talent. Taking inspiration from our ancestors and their long-standing expertis, we are delighted that this award rightfully goes to Chef Teresa Gutiérrez from Restaurant Azafrán in Spain. Chef Teresa focuses on the transfer of skills and knowledge. This award-winning chef celebrates tradition using the past as an endless source of inspiration to create exceptional classical cuisine. Together with Parmigiano Reggiano we salute Teresa who preserves the past  and celebrates the future.

TASTE OF ORIGIN – in cooperation with Pommery

“Respect for nature is one of our main, on-going concerns.”

Award-winning Chef Bjorn Massop from Restaurant Lokaal, in The Netherlands lives in harmony with his environment and takes great pride in it. Committed to serving fresh, sustainably produced and ethically sourced ingredients, Bjorn goes the extra mile to find the best local and seasonal produce. We honour him as well as Pommery for their dedication to sustainable development and raising awareness about how our choices impact the world around us.

ENTREPRENEUR of the year award – in cooperation with Mastercard

“Unparalleled professionalism is harnessed to create a truly magical stay.”

To dine at award-winning Restaurant Balm, from Chef Beat Stofer in Switzerland,  is to enjoy a seamless, perfectly executed fine-dining experience. However, behind the scenes is a team of true professionals guided by a talented chef, working tirelessly to ensure only the highest of standards - perfect, discreet and almost invisible. Never-ending passion is key in everything they do, to ensure that every experience is priceless.. The entrepreneur of the year award in partnership with Mastercard is an homage to Beat who is indeed, a distinctive Master in the field.

INNOVATION AWARD – in cooperation with Olitalia

“Food is evolution; by driving excellent innovation, new traditions will emerge.
Innovation is the key to progress. Chef Tobias Bätz from Posthotel Alexander Herrmann, Germany is the winning chef in this category, Tobias demonstrates the very best in gourmet cuisine, and with respect to culinary heritage, and constantly creates unexpected experiences and unique pleasures. Using state-of-the-art techniques, Tobias develops inspiring Gastronomy and innovative dishes for a new era. In cooperation with Olitalia we honour him for his  authenticity in the pursuit of both excellence and creativity.

TALENT – in cooperation with Pastificio dei Campi

"A new generation is inventing tomorrow's gourmet cuisine.
This young, award-winning talent that is Lukas Kienbauer from Restaurant Lukas in Austria is driven by desire. Lukas creates a cuisine that is in perfect harmony with both his values and philosophy, while delivering an excellent experience for every guest. Winner Lukas demonstrates extraordinary skill and creativity, taking gourmet standards to the highest level possible. Together with Pastificio dei Campi, we are proud to present this Talent of the Year Award to the ultimate creator of flavour and taste.