The Art of Pairing: Eight Countries Head to the Grand Final of Copa Jerez

On June 2 and 3, 2025, the city of Jerez de la Frontera will once again become a world’s gastronomic epicenter as it hosts the 11th edition of Copa Jerez Forum & Competition—a prestigious international event that celebrates the pairing of haute cuisine with Jerez wines. The Copa Jerez is organized by the Consejo Regulador de los Vinos de Jerez y Manzanilla (Sherry Wine Regulatory Council), in cooperation with Fedejerez. It also has the support of ICEX and the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism, through its commercial offices in Brussels, Copenhagen, Dusseldorf, The Hague, Mexico, London, and New York, which coordinated the national competitions in their respective countries.

Each participating country hosted its own national Copa Jerez selection over the past year. These rigorous contests challenged chef–sommelier duos to craft original menus featuring three dishes—starter, main course, and dessert—each paired with a specific style of Jerez. Foods and Wines from Spain/ICEX organizes these events and select the competitors in the different countries.

The winning pairs now advance to represent their nations on the international stage, where they will present their creations live at the Teatro Villamarta in Jerez.

The competition is judged by some of the most respected names in the culinary and wine world, including Josep Roca (Sommelier from the three-Michelin Star El Celler de Can Roca restaurant in Girona), June Rodil (Master Sommelier), Paco Morales (from the three-Michelin star Noor restaurant in Córdoba), Carlos Maribona (food writer) and Heidi Mäkinen (Master of Wine).

The Finalist Teams of the XI Copa Jerez

Representing the host country is Chef Willy Moya and sommelier Juan Antonio Suanzes, from Poncio by WM (Madrid). Their proposal emphasizes the depth and elegance of Spanish gastronomy, with a strong focus on the integral role of Jerez “Representing Spain in Copa Jerez means a great deal to me,” said Chef Moya. “Jerez is a symbol of our culinary identity.”

Making will be represented by Chef Oswaldo Oliva and sommelier Leticia Álvarez of Lorea (Mexico City).

Belgium’s entry, from SOMM restaurant in Ghent, is led by Chef Marina Claus and sommelier Wim Casteur.

Denmark, the defending champion from the previous edition of Copa Jerez, returns with Chef Emil Rask Bahr and sommelier Andreas Kobs Laursen of Sdr. Bjert Kro (bjert).

The Netherlands is represented by Basiliek (Harderwijk), a Michelin-starred restaurant led by Chef Yornie van Dijk and sommelier Anne Marie Nijhoff.

Representing the U.S. is Midnight in the Garden, based in Savannah, Georgia, with chef Ryan Fox and beverage director Alex Wheatley Bell.

From Dresden, Germany’s Chef Jan Nachtigall and sommelier Daniel Jürgen Koge of Novanta Bar & Restaurant. 

Finally, The UK is represented by a collaboration between two of London’s most forward-thinking restaurants: Silo and Apricity, with chef Will Stoyle and sommelier Zoé Donadio in the team.

More than a Competition

The Copa Jerez experience is not limited to the competition alone. The event includes the Copa Jerez Forum, a platform for learning, tasting, and exchanging ideas with top industry professionals. Sessions will feature speakers such as Chefs Xanty Elías or Carme Ruscalleda among others, covering a wide range of topics related to gastronomy, wine innovation, and the cultural relevance of Jerez in contemporary cuisine.

Additionally, Copa Jerez Off will offer immersive experiences, including winery visits, tasting sessions, and networking events, allowing attendees to explore the full richness of the Jerez region and its winemaking legacy.