The highly anticipated Best Young Sommelier Competition by Castel Châteaux & Grands Crus – Asia Edition 2025 culminated in a vibrant grand finale on 21 May 2025. Held in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, this year’s competition not only crowned Yun-shun Lin from Taiwan as the Best Young Sommelier but also shone a spotlight on the remarkable talent and dedication flourishing among the next generation of Asia’s wine professionals. The initiative underscores a strong commitment to nurturing expertise and fostering a deeper appreciation for fine wines across the region.
A Grand Finale Defined by Skill, Passion, and Precision
Organised at the elegant Mai House Saigon Hotel, the prestigious grand finale welcomed over 70 respected figures from the wine industry, alongside enthusiastic connoisseurs – all eager to witness the culmination of months of hard work by young sommeliers.
The rigorous final featured six workshop rounds, each carefully designed to assess the key skills of a top-tier sommelier. These included serving and presentation techniques, the ability to create harmonious food and wine pairings, and the detailed analysis and identification of Bordeaux wines from France.
Following careful deliberation by the esteemed panel of judges after each stage, Yun-shun Lin from Taiwan was announced the winner, with Ryoga Nakamura from Japan as the 1st runner-up and Vanessa Tan representing Singapore as the 2nd runner-up. Their performances demonstrated not only technical proficiency but also a genuine passion and insightful understanding of the world of wine.
The newly crowned Best Young Sommelier from Taiwan was awarded a special prize package, including a five-day immersive experience in Bordeaux featuring exclusive visits to the prestigious Castel Châteaux & Grands Crus estates, along with a Château Montlabert gift box and a bottle of Château Beychevelle. The Taiwan Sommelier Association, as the winning body, also received a case of Castel wines and access to an exclusive online masterclass.
Cultivating Talent on an International Stage
The journey to this finale began with a preliminary round that identified the top 10 most promising young sommeliers, aged 18 to 30, from 10 regions across Asia: Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
These talented individuals then progressed to the semi-final, held in Vietnam on 20 May. This stage included an exclusive masterclass led by jury member Fabrice Sommier, the esteemed MOF: Meilleur Ouvrier de France (Sommelier Best Craftsman of France) and President of the French Sommelier Union – offering candidates invaluable insights from a true master of the craft.
Adding to the competition’s international prestige was the presence of Andreas Larsson, Best Sommelier of the World 2007, who served as the competition’s ambassador. His involvement offered participants an exceptional opportunity to learn from and be inspired by a distinguished figure in the global wine community.
Throughout each stage, candidates were afforded meaningful opportunities to deepen their understanding – particularly of the renowned wines of Bordeaux, a central pillar of this celebrated competition.
Building a Stronger Community for Young Sommeliers and Shaping the Future of Wine in Asia
The Best Young Sommelier Competition served as an invaluable platform for connection, learning, and empowerment. It offered these rising stars a unique opportunity to forge relationships with their peers and influential figures in the wine industry across Asia — creating a vital network for future collaboration and growth. This initiative actively contributes to the development of a more connected and knowledgeable community of young sommeliers in the region, which is essential for the continued evolution and appreciation of wine culture in Asia.
“The Best Young Sommelier competition of Asia is where the next generation of wine professionals shines,” stated Sommier, Head Jury member: “It’s an unparalleled opportunity for young sommeliers to present their expertise to industry leaders, sharpen their technical and sensory skills through rigorous assessment of grape varieties, terroirs, and tasting techniques, and gain access to significant career advancements. The event also nurtures a powerful network among passionate professionals, offering enriching interactions with peers and mentors. This competition represents an exceptional opportunity for emerging talents to shape their future, enhance their skills, and build a strong network within the wine world.”
Reflecting on his journey, Lin shared, “Beyond the competition itself, what I truly value most is the connections made with talented individuals from across Asia. For me, wine transcends what is inside the bottle; it encompasses the stories behind each label, the culture, the people involved, and the relationships we build along the way. We share a common ambition, and this experience brought us together to exchange stories, knowledge, and our shared passion, which I found to be the most fascinating aspect.”
Mathieu Margnac, the Brand Ambassador of Castel Châteaux & Grands Crus, shared, “The Castel Family’s aim in hosting the Best Young Sommelier Competition – Asia Edition 2025 was to create a truly rewarding and memorable experience for the talented young sommeliers across Asia. We wanted to provide a platform where they could connect, expand their knowledge, and further develop their skills. This competition truly reflects our ongoing dedication to nurturing the next generation of wine professionals byoffering valuable educational opportunities, in-depth insights into the prestigious wines of Bordeaux, and significant networking possibilities that will undoubtedly benefit their careers.”
The Best Young Sommelier Competition by Castel Châteaux & Grands Crus – Asia Edition 2025 celebrates the achievement of a deserving winner and also illuminates the promising future of the sommelier profession throughout Asia.
For more information about Castel Châteaux & Grand Crus, visit: https://www.chateaux-castel.com