On September 24, a jury presided by Andrés Rosberg selected the 2018 Best Sommelier of the Baltic States, Ronalds Pētersons, from Latvia, who had previously won the title in 2013. Runners-up were Martynas Pravilonis from Lithuania and Ketri Leis from Estonia. The annual competition took place in Tallinn, Estonia and was hosted by the Sommeljeede Assotsiatsioon (ESA) (Estonian Sommelier Association).
The traditional election of the best sommelier of the Baltic States got its name after the legendary, most popular liqueur in Estonia – Vana Tallinn. Since the year 2006 AS Liviko organises the Vana Tallinn Baltic Sommelier Grand Prix in cooperation with the Estonian, Latvian and Lithuanian Sommelier Associations.
Participants for the Vana Tallinn Grand Prix contest are the best three sommeliers from each Baltic countries according to the Nacional selections. There is tradition to invite some quest candidates from other countries to make the competition even more thrilling and to raise the level of difficulty. Since 2015 is added a special category for young sommeliers in the age up to 27 years with little experience in competitions, to show them this exciting world and motivate them to take part in the competitions in the future.
AS Liviko founded in the year 1898 and is a producer of quality alcohol. AS Liviko has developed a distribution and wholesale network in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania through which not only own products are marketed but also imported brands from other quality alcohol producers in the world.
AS Liviko is among the top three alcohol companies in the Baltic States and gives equal attention to own production as well as importing alcoholic beverages.