Suvad Zlatic is a Master Sommelier
Vienna became the setting for one of the most demanding examinations in the international wine world: in June 2026, six candidates passed the Master Sommelier Diploma awarded by the Court of Master Sommeliers Europe. From an Austrian perspective, the spotlight is particularly on Suvad “Suwi” Zlatic, a Tyrolean with Bosnian roots, a multi-award-winning sommelier, coach, trainer and founder of Suwine. His success is not only a personal milestone, but also a strong signal for the Austrian sommelier community.
A title held by only a select few worldwide
The title of Master Sommelier is one of the most prestigious qualifications in the international wine and hospitality industry. It stands for sensory precision, theoretical depth, excellence in service and mental fortitude under the utmost examination pressure. In June 2026, the Court of Master Sommeliers Europe’s Master Sommelier Diploma examination took place in Vienna, and six candidates successfully cleared this extraordinary hurdle.
Of particular significance for Austria: Suvad ‘Suwi’ Zlatic MS now belongs to that exclusive circle of wine professionals who are entitled to hold the Master Sommelier Diploma. This crowns a career that has for years been characterised by competitions, training, the international stage and a lived passion. With Suvad “Suwi” Zlatic MS, a fourth title holder with strong ties to Austria now joins the three existing Austrian Master Sommeliers: Joseph Linder, Alexander Koblinger and Stefan Neumann.
Suvad “Suwi” Zlatic MS: Tyrolean precision, Bosnian roots, the global wine scene
Suvad Zlatic is by no means an unknown name in Austria. As Best Sommelier of Austria in 2014 and 2021, an internationally successful competition sommelier, trainer, coach and founder of Suwine, he has made a name for himself far beyond Tyrol. His brand name says it all: Suwine = Suvad “Suwi” Zlatic + wine.
Zlatic describes himself as a Tyrolean with Bosnian roots, at home in the Alps-Adriatic region and in the world of wine, delicacies and the culture of indulgence. This cultural diversity is more than just a biographical detail: it shapes his approach to understanding wine not merely as a product, but as a connection between people, regions and stories.
His life motto sums up this attitude perfectly: “Those who belittle others will never become great themselves.” A statement that reveals a great deal about the approach that is becoming increasingly important in modern sommelier culture: excellence without arrogance. Knowledge without aloofness. Advice without lecturing.
From Head Sommelier to Master Sommelier
Suvad Zlatic’s career reads like a steady ascent to the very top of the international scene. His journey began as early as 2007, when he took up the roles of Head Sommelier and Maître d’Hôtel. From 2009, he worked as a WIFI trainer in the tourism sector whilst also undertaking further training to become a certified sommelier.
In 2013, he passed the Introductory Sommelier Exam set by the Court of Master Sommeliers Europe. This was followed in 2014 by the Certified Sommelier Exam and the Advanced Sommelier Exam – also with the Court of Master Sommeliers Europe. In the same year, he was named Best Sommelier of Austria for the first time and also laid the foundations for his expertise in the field of sake.
This was followed by international competitions, awards and roles: Vineus Sommelier of the Year, Rolling Pin Leader of the Year in the Sommelier category, Sake Educator Licence, teaching roles at the University of Wine in Krems, captain of the Austrian national sommelier team, and top international placings in ASI competitions.
In 2023, Zlatic came 9th in the ASI Best Sommelier of the World competition. The next major milestone followed in 2026: Master Sommelier.
What makes the qualification so special
The Master Sommelier Diploma is not a traditional wine examination where rote-learned knowledge alone is sufficient. It requires a combination of three elements: theory, tasting and service. Candidates must analyse wines blind, accurately identify their origin, grape varieties, vintages and styles, answer complex theoretical questions and, at the same time, demonstrate absolute professionalism in realistic service situations. It is about knowledge, but just as much about attitude. About speed, but also about composure. About precision, but never without hospitality. This is precisely where its relevance to the hospitality industry lies: A Master Sommelier is not just someone who knows a great deal about wine. It is someone who translates knowledge into an experience.
Why this success is important for Austria
Austria is a wine-producing country with a growing international reputation. Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, Blaufränkisch, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and the wide variety of regional wine profiles have long featured on the wine lists of ambitious restaurants worldwide. At the same time, there is a need for individuals who can explain this quality, put it into context and make it emotionally accessible. Suvad Zlatic embodies precisely this intersection: he is a practitioner, trainer, competition professional, wine merchant, host, coach and communicator. Through Suwine, the Gourmet Play Store in Landeck and his international activities, he combines product knowledge with experience, training with advice, and enjoyment with entrepreneurship.
For the Austrian wine and gastronomy scene, his Master Sommelier title is therefore more than just a personal accolade. It sends a clear signal: Austrian sommelier culture is a force to be reckoned with on the international stage – not only in terms of wine quality, but also in terms of expertise, service culture and personality.
The six new Master Sommeliers in Vienna
Alongside Suvad Zlatic, five other candidates passed the Master Sommelier Diploma in Vienna:
- Michele Fazari was born in Calabria; he developed his career in the wine industry in Tuscany, the UK and France, amongst other places, and is active in the international wine world.
- Adam Michocki is a Polish sommelier and importer who is particularly committed to wines from Poland and Central Europe and is active in the UK.
- Amar Boudjaoui is associated with the wine and coffee establishment Vinifera on Jersey, where he is one of the leading sommelier figures.
- Michał Drozdowski is associated with Kraków’s Bottiglieria 1881 and was named Poland’s best sommelier in 2024.
- Réza Nahaboo works in Switzerland, was named Best Sommelier of Switzerland in 2016 and brings international experience from the luxury hotel industry and top-tier gastronomy. According to public profiles, his roots lie in Mauritius and Réunion.
Together, these six names demonstrate just how international modern sommellerie has become: Europe, islands, the Alpine region, Central Europe, Switzerland, the UK, Italy, Poland, Mauritius, Réunion – wine knowledge is global today, but it is always particularly strong when it remains firmly rooted in the local context.
From Knowledge to Impact: The New Role of the Sommelier
Suvad Zlatic’s success comes at a time when the role of sommeliers is being re-evaluated. Today’s guests are looking not just for recommendations, but for guidance. They want to understand provenance, categorise styles, and be more adventurous in their tasting, without feeling overwhelmed. Good sommeliery is therefore not about loudly showcasing specialist knowledge, but about subtly translating complexity.
Particularly in an era of no- and low-alcohol drinks, natural wine, sake, champagne specialisation, non-alcoholic pairings, regional producers and new concepts of luxury, the sommelier is becoming a key figure. He or she connects the cellar, the kitchen, the guest and history. Suvad Zlatic has long embodied this approach. His career highlights not only competitive success but also a commitment to passing on knowledge: as a trainer, educator, coach and entrepreneur.
Conclusion: A title for someone who sees wine as a stage for people
By obtaining the Master Sommelier Diploma, Suvad ‘Suwi’ Zlatic has reached one of the highest peaks in the international world of wine. Yet his journey also shows that great sommelier artistry is not created solely in the glass. It is born of interaction, of listening, of explaining, and of passing on knowledge. For Austria, this success is a source of pride. For the industry, it serves as a reminder: excellence requires discipline, but also generosity. Knowledge requires depth, but also the ability to communicate. And wine needs people who not only evaluate it, but bring it to life. Suvad Zlatic MS is one such person.
Info box: Suvad “Suwi” Zlatic MS
Name: Suvad “Suwi” Zlatic MS
Title: Master Sommelier, coach, trainer, gourmet shop owner
Company: Suwine
Location: Landeck, Tyrol
Profile: A Tyrolean with Bosnian roots, at home in the Alps-Adriatic region and in the international world of wine
Languages: Serbo-Croatian, German, English
Awards and milestones: Best Sommelier of Austria 2014 and 2021, ASI 9th Best Sommelier of the World 2023, third place at the European-African Sommelier Championship 2021, Rolling Pin Leader of the Year (Sommelier category) 2018, Vineus Sommelier of the Year 2016
Master Sommelier: Court of Master Sommeliers Europe, Vienna, June 2026
Motto: “Those who belittle others will never become great themselves!”
About Alexandra Gorsche
Alexandra Gorsche is an Austrian food journalist, moderator, speaker, consultant and culinary voice with a strong focus on fine dining, hospitality and contemporary restaurant culture. She is editor-in-chief of Genusspunkt, responsible for the culinary direction of stayinart and contributes to renowned publishers and media brands such as Callwey Verlag. Her work explores the intersection of gastronomy, culture, design, travel and entrepreneurship from Michelin-starred restaurants to emerging food trends, chefs and hospitality concepts.
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