Toke Fiedler Terkildsen may only be in his early twenties, but his thoughtful approach to wine, service, and study already sets him apart. It was a sunny June afternoon in north part of Copenhagen when I picked him up from the train station. We met to talk about his journey and daily work but the conversation ended up touching on everything from career choices to curiosity, sake, and the small moments that make service meaningful.

At No. 2 in Copenhagen, I met with Jonathan Gouveia, who had just returned from Austria with news worth celebrating. His journey to the Master Sommelier title took just over seven years, from his first steps into wine in 2017 to passing the final exam in 2025. He had passed the final part of the Master Sommelier exam, making him one of only three people in Denmark to hold the prestigious title of Master Sommelier.

In conversation with a skydiving chef-sommelier who balances leadership, curiosity, and a love for pairings.

A Special Moment at the General Assembly in South Africa

At the 2025 ASI General Assembly in Cape Town, Tim Vollerslev, Vice President of Dansk Sommelier Forening, was honoured in a moment of well-deserved recognition. Tim Vollerslev was named an Honorary Member of ASI as a thank you for his 42 years of exceptional work.

From Lolland to the polished floors of a Michelin-starred restaurant, this is Pernille Malec’s story. With nearly two decades in hospitality, she has had setbacks, cultivated strength, and never stopped learning. This is the story of a woman who opens more than wine, she opens windows into what hospitality looks like.

Wine can feel complicated, but not when Stine Pimenova is behind the bar. She keeps things real, no snobbery, just great wine and good company. With a background in art and a straight-talking approach, this is Stines story.

In 2025, Danish sommeliers continue to showcase their dedication to the craft and their openness to new ideas and trends. This article is based on a survey conducted among Dansk Sommelier Forening’s members in September and October 2024.