Luuk Stierum Wins Junior Sommelier Award 2025

The Junior Sommelier Award for German Wine took place on Monday, 24th March 2025, at restaurant Hemel & Aarde (Utrecht). And the winner is… our very own IHMS student, Luuk Stierum! This competition was held for the tenth time, and Luuk is now the third winner from our school. His predecessors, Teide Schepers and Jorn Batens, provided him with valuable information and tips in the lead-up to the competition. Additionally, teacher/trainer Eduard van der Toolen has given him rigorous training for various competitions both at home and abroad.

The participants’ knowledge was tested through a theoretical section, a tasting segment, and an oral examination. During the oral test, restaurant Hemel & Aarde prepared a unique tasting challenge featuring Kingfish, Spar, Redlove, horseradish, and bergamot. After tasting four wines and the dish, the participants had to explain their ideal wine-pairing combination. The jury was impressed by the knowledge and skill of the winner, Luuk Stierum (ROC Mondriaan – The Hague). He excelled in all three sections and rightfully went home with the grand prize: participation in the “Study Trip from 7th to 10th September 2025,” a four-day journey with visits to wine producers in Franconia.

The jury consisted of Heleen Boom (Restaurant Bouwkunde – Deventer), Peter van Houtert (Verbunt Verlinden – Tilburg), Lars Daniëls (MV & PersWijn), and Alain Jacobs (German Wine Information Bureau).