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Niklas Breithaupt is Germany's best sommelier 2025
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The trophy for ‘Germany's Best Sommelier 2025’ goes to Switzerland: Niklas Breithaupt, sommelier at Baur au Lac Zurich, won the prestigious trophy awarded by the Sommelier Union Germany in Heidelberg on Sunday (19 October 2025). The 29-year-old prevailed against strong competition and impressed the jury with his sensory precision, in-depth knowledge and charming presence.
The traditional competition organised by the Sommelier Union Germany is one of the most demanding tests in the industry. The finalists demonstrated their skills in tasting, service and communication – from blind tastings and menu pairings to professional decanting and creative tasks involving wine and art. Yvonne Heistermann, President of the Sommelier Union Germany, praised the winner as "an example of competence, authenticity and joy in wine".
Breithaupt already took second place in Meininger's competition for young sommeliers in 2024. This year, he is one of five finalists in the marmite magazine youngsters competition in the sommelier category. The award ceremony will take place in December.
Niklas Breithaupt's career at Zurich's Baur au Lac began in November 2022 as Chef de Rang. Prior to this, he completed his training as a hotel manager at Die Burg Aasen in Donaueschingen, Germany. Pursuing his passion for wine with great dedication, he simultaneously began part-time training as a sommelier at the Wine and Sommelier School in Koblenz. After successfully passing his sommelier exam in November 2023, he took up the position of sommelier at Baur au Lac in January 2024.
Outstanding wine expertise
At Baur au Lac, Niklas Breithaupt worked from the beginning with a top-class team that cultivates wine culture at the highest level. Under the leadership of Marc Almert, head sommelier of the establishment, managing director of Baur au Lac Vins and ASI Best Sommelier of the World 2019, as well as Aurélien Blanc, restaurant manager at Marguita restaurant and Best Swiss Sommelier 2018, wine is understood as part of a living tradition of hospitality.
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"Working at Baur au Lac is a dream for any young sommelier."
In 2023, sommelier world champion Marc Almert, who was still working as a waiter at the former Pavillon restaurant, often poured a selection of exciting wines for Niklas Breithaupt to taste after work. In preparation for the current Sommelier Trophy, he was supported by experienced Marguita restaurant manager Aurélien Blanc and Baur's bar manager Natascha Galus, with whom he repeatedly practised challenging blind tastings.
Today, Breithaupt is at the forefront – as sommelier at Marguita restaurant, responsible for selecting wines by the glass in all of the hotel's restaurants as well as for banquets and events. Almert manages the strategic direction between the hotel and wine trade, while Blanc shapes the expert and charming service at Marguita. Together, they represent the extraordinary wine expertise of Baur au Lac.
"Wine is much more than just an accompaniment at Baur au Lac," says Christian von Rechenberg, General Manager of Baur au Lac. "Our wine expertise is part of our identity. In addition, promoting talent is extremely important at Baur au Lac, and we are delighted to have another top sommelier on our team in Niklas Breithaupt."
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ABOUT BAUR AU LAC
Since 1844, Baur au Lac has been a family-run hotel in the heart of Zurich, offering outstanding hospitality for seven generations. Nestled in an idyllic park, it offers spectacular views of the Swiss Alps and Lake Zurich. Just a short walk away are the famous Bahnhofstrasse and cultural highlights such as the concert hall and the Opera House.
The hotel captivates guests with its unique blend of history and modern flair. The 119 rooms and suites are timelessly elegant with a touch of Hollywood glamour. Three restaurants invite guests to enjoy themselves and linger: Le Hall, arguably the most beautiful living room in the city, Baur's Brasserie with European classics, and Marguita, opened in summer 2024, which serves Mediterranean dishes. The state-of-the-art fitness area with magnificent views of Lake Zurich and the adjoining wine shop Baur au Lac Vins round off the offering.
