HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM – May 9, 2025 – Castel Châteaux & Grands Crus is set to host the highly anticipated Best Young Sommelier Competition – Asia Edition 2025, a key event aimed at discovering and promoting emerging sommeliers across Asia. The competition, which serves as a vital platform for young professionals in the wine industry, will take place in Vietnam this year, with contestants from 10 countries competing for the prestigious title.
A Spotlight on Emerging Talent
The competition provides a unique opportunity for sommeliers aged 18 to 30 to showcase their knowledge, passion, and skills in the world of wine. This year’s event is designed to push candidates to new heights, with a rigorous selection process that includes three stages: preliminary rounds, semi-finals, and finals. A distinguished panel of eight esteemed wine experts will judge the semi-final and final rounds.
Competition Timeline and Structure
The preliminary rounds, held in March and April 2025, successfully identified the top 10 finalists from across the region. These individuals will now move forward to the semi-final and final rounds, which will be hosted at the Mai House Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City on May 20-21, 2025.
This year’s competition has garnered support from several notable regional sommelier associations, including the Hong Kong Sommelier Association, the Sommelier Association of Malaysia, the Sommelier Association of Singapore, the Taiwan Sommelier Association, and the Indonesia Sommelier Association.
A Comprehensive Judging Process
The semi-finals, held on May 20, will feature a private event that includes a written examination and educational workshops designed to evaluate and refine the competitors’ skills and knowledge. The top three performers will then move on to the public final, which will take place the following day, May 21. This live event will allow the finalists to demonstrate their expertise through challenges focused on wine region knowledge, sensory analysis, food pairing, and service techniques.
Prestigious Prize for the Winner
The winner of the Best Young Sommelier Competition – Asia Edition 2025 will receive an exclusive prize package, including a five-day immersive experience at Castel Châteaux & Grands Crus’ renowned estates in Bordeaux, along with a Château Montlabert gift box and a bottle of Château Beychevelle. The winning sommelier’s association will also receive a case of Castel wines and an exclusive online masterclass.
Supporting the Asian Sommelier Community
Mrs. Stephanie Voy, Senior Marketing Manager, APAC at Castel Châteaux & Grands Crus, expressed enthusiasm about the event, saying, “We are excited to host the Best Young Sommelier Competition – Asia Edition 2025 and bring together talented sommeliers from across the region. This initiative is a testament to our commitment to fostering connections within the Asian sommelier community and providing the next generation of wine professionals with invaluable knowledge and networking opportunities.”
The Best Young Sommelier Competition – Asia Edition 2025 reflects Castel Châteaux & Grands Crus’ ongoing dedication to supporting young talent and promoting excellence in the world of wine.
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