On September 4, Rancilio Specialty will support outstanding baristas at the Julius Meinl Barista Cup Grand Finale 2026, taking place in Julius Meinl’s home city of Vienna.
The Rancilio Specialty RS1, official espresso machine for the competition, combines advanced multi-boiler technology with Advanced Temperature Profiling, and will give baristas exceptional control over every coffee, highlighting sweetness, acidity and balance in every cup.
“Welcoming the national finalists to Vienna for the Julius Meinl Barista Cup Grand Finale 2026 is something we are truly looking forward to, and we can’t wait to see them compete. Events like these are only possible thanks to strong partnerships and we are delighted to have Rancilio Specialty by our side, supporting our shared passion for exceptional coffee”, says Christina Meinl, VP Group Strategies, Brand & Corporate Communication and 5th generation family member.
From April to July 2026, national competitions brought together talented baristas from countries across the Julius Meinl network. After demonstrating their expertise in the Espresso, Cappuccino and Signature Drink categories before panels of expert judges, 15 national champions earned their place in Vienna to compete for the prestigious international title.
“I had the opportunity to attend the Italian Final in May, where Stefania Gilardi claimed the national title,” says Simona Sordelli, Marketing and Communication Manager at Rancilio Group. “Witnessing the creativity, technical skill and passion displayed by Stefania and all the competitors was truly inspiring. We are proud to support these exceptional professionals with a machine that is more than just equipment—it is a partner that helps them express the full character and complexity of their signature drinks.”
The Julius Meinl Barista Cup celebrates coffee professionals and the craftsmanship, creativity and dedication behind every cup. At the Grand Finale, the overall winner, together with the highest-scoring barista in each competition category, will earn a coveted place on an exclusive journey to a coffee country of origin, offering an opportunity to experience first-hand insights into coffee cultivation and the journey from bean to cup.
Julius Meinl Barista Cup Grand Finale 2026
September 4, 2026
MuseumsQuartier Wien
MAPS
Museumsplatz 1
1070 Wien, Austria
