Château Laguiole sounds like the name of a wine estate, yet it is an emblematic brand, a world reference for luxury sommelier knives. Founded in 1992 by Guy Vialis, former sommelier at Pavillon Ledoyen in the 1970s, the brand revolutionized the world of sommellerie by combining aesthetics, innovation and performance.
In December 2024, Château Laguiole takes a new step with the release of the Raimonds Tomsons sommelier knife, voted Best Sommelier in the World 2023. An exceptional piece that perpetuates the prestigious history of the brand.
A tribute to sommeliers around the world
The concept of Château Laguiole is based on a simple but revolutionary vision: to offer sommeliers an exceptional, unique and personalized tool, perfectly suited to their profession of excellence. It all started in 1992, when Philippe Faure-Brac, crowned Best Sommelier in the World the same year, joined forces with Guy Vialis to create the first Château Laguiole Best Sommelier in the World. “ This partnership marks the start of a tradition, where each champion collaborates on the design of their own model, combining their vision with the expertise of the brand », explains Sébastien Lezier, owner of the brand since 2017.
Raimonds Tomsons: innovation in the spotlight
The collaboration with Raimonds Tomsons, Best Sommelier in the World 2023, embodies this perpetual quest for excellence. The result of a year of development, its sommelier knife is a piece of modern goldsmithing. The handle combines beige amaranth, which turns red in oxygen, and white bone, in homage to the colors of the Latvian flag. “ A reinforced conical auger, widened at the base for greater strength and refined for precise entry into the cork. An internal part has also been solidified to ensure increased durability. » specifies Sébastien Lezier. Each model is signed and marked “Best Sommelier of the World”. The initials RT are engraved on one of the sides and the signature of Raimonds Tomsons is integrated on the lever and the spring, a nod to its creator.
-Raimonds Tomsons was able to validate the latest prototype during the Best Sommelier in Europe 2023 competition, where he hosted the final at the National Theater in Belgrade.
The signature models of previous champions
Each Château Laguiole sommelier knife reflects the personality and preferences of its creators, all Best Sommeliers in the World. Among the emblematic models, the one Shinya Tasaki (1995), inspired by the Japanese flag, featuring red and white acrylic. It is distinguished by a slightly elongated knife. Enrico Bernardo, voted best sommelier in the world in 2004, chose to add a curved micro-toothed blade and a black lacquer decoration decorated with gold threads. The Swede, Andreas Larsson (2007), opted for a deer antler handle, with ergonomics adapted to its specific needs. Marc Almertin 2019, paid a family tribute with a walnut wood handle, dear to his father, and a toothless blade in order to cut the capsules as cleanly as possible…
Even Serge Dubs (1989) and Giuseppe Vaccarini (1978) had their models created retrospectively, demonstrating Château Laguiole’s commitment to all the Best Sommeliers in the World. With the release of the Raimonds Tomsons model in December 2024, Château Laguiole confirms its status as a leader in the world of sommelier knives. Combining tradition and innovation, the brand remains a symbol of perfection for sommeliers around the world.
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