Cumbrian wine experts have been named among the best in the UK.
The prestigious Taylor’s Port UK Top 100 Sommeliers List has been released and four Cumbrian experts feature.
Nominees are proposed by fellow sommeliers, industry peers and diners before being assessed by an expert judging panel.
Valentin Mouillard, head sommelier at Simon Rogan’s three Michelin-starred L’Enclume in Cartmel and Umbel Hospitality Group head sommelier, has appeared in every list since its launch in 2023, climbing from 47th to 12th this year.
After studying hospitality in Saint-Nazaire and gaining experience in France and London, Valentin joined L’Enclume as commis sommelier in 2016.
He was promoted to head sommelier in 2019 and, in 2024, received the Michelin Sommelier Award from the Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland.
He was also named Michelin Sommelier of the Year in 2024 and has featured in the Harpers Top 50 Sommeliers.
Valentin’s success was joined by another achievement for the Simon Rogan restaurant group, with Aulis London restaurant manager & sommelier Charles Carron-Brown securing a place in the Top 100 for the first time, ranking at number 23.
Robert Petla, of the Pentonbridge Inn near Carlisle, was also recognised in the list.
After moving to England in 2005, he began his career at Sharrow Bay Hotel, where he was given the opportunity to train as a sommelier.
Since then, he has overseen wine programmes at Michelin-starred restaurants, earning a three-star wine list award from World of Fine Wine magazine and becoming UK Ambassador for Casa Silver wines.
He said: “To be included in the Top 100 for the first time is a real honour. There are so many talented sommeliers working across the UK, so to be recognised among them is incredibly rewarding.
“I’ve been fortunate to learn from some wonderful people throughout my career, and this recognition reflects not only my own efforts but also the support of the teams and mentors I’ve worked alongside. Wine is a lifelong journey of learning, and I’m grateful to be able to share that passion with our guests.’’
Ambleside’s Old Stamp House restaurant manager and head sommelier Laurentiu Bulprich has included in the list for the first time.
He said: “To be included in the UK’s Top 100 Sommeliers for the first time is a real honour, and recognition I’m truly proud of.
“At Old Stamp House, we’re passionate about wine and about creating an experience that goes beyond what’s in the glass, pairing the right bottle with the right moment for every guest.
“This acknowledgement, alongside our Star Wine List silver award earlier this year, reflects the effort and dedication the whole team puts in every day, and it’s wonderful to see that celebrated on a national stage.”
Beth Bond, of Cottage in the Wood in Whinlatter, near Keswick, has been included in the list for the third consecutive year.
Having first entered the rankings in 2024, Beth has maintained her place in the top 50 for a second year in a row. She is ranked at 49th for 2026.
She said: “To be named in the UK’s Top 100 Sommeliers for the third consecutive year, and to remain in the top 50, is something I’m incredibly proud of, particularly in such a strong field.
“It’s also wonderful to see so many women recognised this year; it reflects how much our industry is evolving.
“At The Cottage in the Wood, wine is at the heart of everything we do, and I’m lucky to work alongside a remarkable team who share that passion.
“Being able to champion exciting wines from our corner of the Lake District, and to play a small part in putting Cumbria on the national hospitality map, is a real privilege.’’
