Nina Højgaard Jensen

Nina Højgaard Jensen

For her, wine is more than just a beverage; it's a means of communication that enhances the sensory experience of hospitality.

A Dynamic Career in Wine Throughout her career,

Nina has explored various facets of the wine industry, each offering its unique insights. Her roles have spanned from teaching, working in Brasseries, Bistros, and fine dining establishments.

Competition and Growth

Competitions have played a pivotal role in Nina's professional journey. These challenges have not only honed her skills but have also fostered objectivity—a crucial yet intricate skill for any sommelier. Through competitions, she has gained a comprehensive perspective of the wine universe, mastering the art of communicating even the most intricate wine details.

The Holistic Sommelier

Having been the Wine Director at Alchemist, Nina's focus extends beyond the confines of traditional sommelier duties. She endeavors to craft a holistic sommelier experience, one that seeks to bring joy to the act of drinking, impart knowledge to colleagues, and communicate the essence of wine effectively. Her work revolves around understanding the intention and purpose of each wine and seamlessly contextualising it for discerning patrons.

Current: Jury member at "Star Wine List" & Student of Political Science anno 2025

2020 — 2024 Editor in Chief OF “SOMMELIER” FOR DANISH SOMMELIER ASSOCIATION

2020— 2024 Wine Director - RESTAURANT ALCHEMIST, COPENHAGEN

2019 — 2020 Head Sommelier - RESTAURANT LYST, VEJLE

2018 — 2022 Educator - DANISH SOMMELIER EDUCATION (DSU)

2016 — 2019 Head Sommelier - RESTAURANT KONG HANS, COPENHAGEN

2015 — 2016 Sommelier - RESTAURANT ANARKI, COPENHAGEN

2012— 2015 Apprentice Waiter - RESTAURANT LE SOMMELIER, COPENHAGEN

Competitions

20232ndBest sommelier of the world (World Championship for Sommeliers)
20212ndBest sommelier of Europa and Africa (European Championship for Sommeliers)
20192ndBest sommelier of the world (World Championship for Sommeliers)
20191stDanish Sommelier Championship
20171stDanish Sommelier Championship
20161stCastell Young Cup
20161stNordic Sommelier Championship
20163rdDanish Sommelier Young Cup.

Accolades

2024Best Sparkling wine list of the worldfor Restaurant Alchemistby Star Wine list
2023Best Digestif List in Denmarkfor Restaurant Alchemistby Star Wine list
2023Best wine list of the worldfor Restaurant Alchemistby Star Wine list
2022Best Sparkling Wine List, Denmarkfor Restaurant Alchemistby Star Wine list
2022Winner of ”Grand Prix” – The best wine list with more than 600 referencesfor Restaurant Alchemistby Star Wine list
2020Sommelier of the YearKong Hans KælderDEN DANSKE SPISEGUIDE
2019The "Sommest" sommelier Award – Voted by the other competitorsWorld Championship for Sommeliers (ASI)
2019“Årets udskænkning” - Beverage service of the yearRestaurant Kong Hans KælderASSOCIATION OF DANISH FOOD CRITICS
2018Winelist of the yearFor restaurant Kong HansWHITE GUIDE NORDIC
2018Wine experience of the yearRestaurant Kong Hans KælderWHITE GUIDE NORDIC

Ketil Sauer

Ketil Sauer - pouring, competition

Sommelier with intuition

Ketil Sauer has a more than 20 years of experience in the restaurant industry with the main part as front of house.

Ketil Sauer’s journey into the world of wine began with a formal education in hospitality and sommelier training. He honed his skills in Aarhus, at Substans, where he quickly developed a passion for wine and its role in enhancing the dining experience. Early in his career, Ketil worked in various roles that allowed him to deepen his understanding of wine production, tasting, and pairing with food.

Wines with terroir!

He truly enjoys wine with a certain terroir or uniqueness – this can be conventional wine or of a more natural production. ”I don't mind if a wine is certified organic, if it's the winemakers word for it being organic or conventional wine. If the wine has quality, taste, intensity and terroir, I'll enjoy it.” - Ketil

Competition takes it to the next level.

Ketil has competed as a sommelier for many years and won the Danish sommelier championship in 2022.

"I have found that training for competitions working with wine, tasting wine, sampling wine, checking wine - claims knowledge and a skillset that I otherwise wouldn't have needed or obtained" - Ketil

Travels around the world

"I have visited 200 wineries and then some - talking to winemakers, producers, harvesters, stompers, assistant winemakers, producers: every visit gives another dimension of knowledge about winemaking and vineyards - even when knowing everything in one vineyard, travelling to another will expand your knowledge." - Ketil Sauer

Writing about wine.

Ketil Sauer has contributed to wine publications, writing articles and sharing his insights about the wine world. He has appeared in various media outlets, offering his expertise on wine topics and trends. Besides his work as an importer he's been working with Nørrebro Bryghus as a beer specialist,

Ambassador for star wine list in Denmark

Wine writer for the Danish sommelier magazine

Wine critic for internatinal wine competions such as

Taster/Judge for the Danish magazine: ”Din Vinguide”.

Competitions

20242ndDanish Sommelier Championship
20232ndDanish Sommelier Championship
20221stDanish Sommelier Championship
20203rdDanish Sommelier Championship
20194thDanish Sommelier Championship
20174thDanish Sommelier CHampionship