Harpers Wine & Spirit has placed Tom Fahey, co-founder of The Terrace Rooms and Wine in Ventnor, sixth on its Top 50 Sommeliers list for 2026.
The list draws on nominations from readers across the UK’s restaurant and hospitality trade.
Harpers says judges weigh service, staff training, innovation and commercial skill, alongside how well a sommelier’s choices suit the venue and its guests.
This is the third year running that Tom has featured in the list.
A fast-growing reputation in Ventnor
The Terrace Rooms and Wine opened in Ventnor in July 2022. It built an admiring following almost immediately.
Over the following two years the venue picked up many accolades. These include the César award for the best B&B in the UK and Wine Buyer of the Year.
A self-taught route into wine
Tom didn’t train formally as a sommelier. He worked as a restaurant guidebook inspector before taking on the roles of general manager, executive chef and wine professional at the venue.
Tom has since built the wine list to more than 1,250 bins from wine regions around the world. It includes a rosé selection of more than 200 wines.
The Terrace Rooms and Wine offers hotel guests a wine tasting each day.
Read the full list of Harpers Top 50 Sommeliers.
