Fine Waters Taste & Design Awards 2026: International Awards for Mineral Waters from the SOMMCADEMY Portfolio 🏆
- 19 hours ago
- 4 min read
On 15 May 2026, the prestigious Fine Waters “Taste & Design Awards” took place in Montreal, Canada. This event is one of the world's most important competitions for natural mineral waters. Six experienced water sommeliers from around the world evaluated the participating waters based on their sensory properties, mineralisation, balance, texture and overall impression.
The awards demonstrate that water is much more than an everyday beverage. The taste and character of a mineral water are influenced by mineralisation and carbonation structure in much the same way as wine or coffee. This diversity lies at the heart of modern water culture, which is becoming increasingly important in both fine dining and the private sector.
At SOMMCADEMY, we are therefore delighted that several of the mineral waters in our portfolio were honoured at the Fine Waters Taste & Design Awards 2026.
Award-winning mineral waters from the SOMMCADEMY portfolio
Gold Award
Eira Still — STILL Super Low Minerality
Silver Award
Antipodes Still — STILL Low Minerality
Lofoten Still — STILL Super Low Minerality
Bronze Award
Antipodes Sparkling — SPARKLING Low Minerality
Lofoten Sparkling — SPARKLING Super Low Minerality
All of the mineral waters mentioned are also available at the SOMMCADEMY shop in the United Arab Emirates.
These award-winning waters come from different regions of the world, yet they all have one thing in common: exceptional purity and unique sensory profiles.
EIRA originates from the majestic Eresfjord in Norway, where it is naturally filtered through nine meters of gneiss and granite moraine. The still version has an exceptionally low mineral content of only 6 mg per liter.
Taste: EIRA Still tastes pure, soft, and minimalist on the palate. It offers an almost neutral freshness that is weightless and finishes as clear as melted snow.
Pairing: EIRA Still has a clean, neutral flavor that pairs perfectly with mild breads, light salads, white fish, and poultry.
Antipodes is an artesian water from New Zealand that is sourced from one of the deepest aquifers in the country (327 meters deep). It is characterized by low mineralization of 130 mg per liter.
Taste: Very smooth, almost neutral with a clean and refreshing finish.
Pairing: Antipodes Still pairs well with fine Japanese kitchen such as sashimi and dashi-based dishes. Also butter-poached fish and aspargus hollandaise can be recommended.
Hidden gem: Pair Antipodes still with coffee or even use it as a base.
Lofoten Arctic Water is a Norwegian is a crystal-clear mountain water, which is bottled directly from the unspoilt mountains of Lofoten, which are located north of the Arctic Circle. Lofoten comes with an exceptionally low TDS of just 30 mg per liter.
Taste: Lofoten Still features a clear, soft taste that elegantly enhances the delicate aromas of food and beverages, bringing out their fine nuances with precision.
Pairing: Lofoten Still pairs perfectly with sashimi, tuna and salmon tartare, as well as creamy cheeses such as ricotta. It highlights the subtle flavors of the dishes.
Antipodes is an artesian water from New Zealand that is sourced from one of the deepest aquifers in the country (327 meters deep). It is characterized by low mineralization of 130 mg per liter.
Taste: The water is extremely clean and soft with a fine carbonation. It resets the palate.
Pairing: Antipodes Sparkling pairs well with white fish, grilled turkey and light Asian dishes (not spicy) as well as fruit platters.
Lofoten Arctic Water is a Norwegian is a crystal-clear mountain water, which is bottled directly from the unspoilt mountains of Lofoten, which are located north of the Arctic Circle. Lofoten comes with an exceptionally low TDS of just 30 mg per liter.
Taste: Lofoten Sparkling features a pure, mild taste. It enhances the delicate aromas of food and beverages. Fine carbonation provides a pleasant freshness and a lively, slightly acidic note.
Pairing: Lofoten Sparkling pairs perfectly with fine seafood and light, elegant dishes such as fish, oysters, scallops, king crab, lobster, and shrimp tartare.
These awards once again confirm the growing importance of high-quality mineral waters within the world of international fine dining and hospitality. An increasing number of people are becoming more aware of the differences in taste, texture and mineral content of different waters. Health considerations also play an important role in this.
Different minerals can support various body functions depending on their mineral content. Magnesium-rich waters, for example, are often associated with relaxation and stress management, while calcium-rich waters are particularly beneficial for sports, bones, and teeth. Bicarbonate-rich waters can help with heartburn, and sulphate-containing waters are traditionally associated with aiding digestion. It is precisely this diversity that elevates mineral water beyond its role as a thirst-quencher.
SOMMCADEMY congratulates all the winners of this year's FineWaters Taste & Design Awards and is pleased to offer a selection of the award-winning mineral waters in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and beyond.
Wit that said: Drink water, #stayhydrated
Best regards
Timo Bausch
Certified Water Sommelier
About SOMMCADEMY
Water is more than just a basic necessity. It represents taste, health, and experience. A new awareness is emerging: Drinking mindfully, recognizing differences, and truly understanding quality. As a certified Water Sommelier, I founded SOMMCADEMY to share the diversity and unique characteristics of mineral water with the world. With SOMMCADEMY, you can experience water in a whole new way, as a sensory journey that will make your event truly special / Timo Bausch Founder of SOMMCADEMY
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