4th Châteauneuf-du-Pape Young Sommeliers Trophy: A Brilliant and Inspiring Edition
Châteauneuf-du-Pape – September 27, 2025
The fourth edition of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape Young Sommeliers Trophy was held this Saturday, September 27, at the Château de Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Organized by the Syndicat des Vignerons and in partnership with the Union de la Sommellerie Française, the AOP Comté, and Cavistes & Sommeliers magazine, this year’s competition once again highlighted the rising generation of a rapidly ascending French sommelier scene.
A winner who distinguished himself with mastery
At just 28 years old, Jules Benoit, sommelier at the Couvent des Minimes in Mane, stood out with confidence and skill throughout the written, practical, and tasting tests.
He claimed the trophy after a demanding final composed of five workshops: service in English, blind tasting, technical challenges, and a food-and-wine pairing exercise led by Chef Nicolas Fontaine (former Executive Chef of Maison Albar – L’Impérator).
He prevailed over two particularly promising finalists:
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Maëva Rey, 24, apprentice sommelier at La Tour d’Argent (Paris)
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Loélie Leclerc, 20, commis sommelier at La Vague d’Or (Saint-Tropez)
A rigorous competition reflecting the new generation
No fewer than 26 candidates under the age of 30, including 12 young women, competed this year. Coming from all across France and from renowned establishments, they faced the morning’s theoretical tests and tastings, before moving on to the practical finals in the afternoon.
The jury included several high-level professionals, among them:
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Louis Le Comte, Meilleur Jeune Sommelier de France, patron of this edition and sommelier at the Beau-Rivage Palace (Lausanne)
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Lucie Roussel, reigning champion and sommelier-wine merchant at Les Vignes au Cœur in Ploubalay
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Nicolas Fontaine, guest chef for the food-and-wine pairing tests
A first-ever live broadcast
For the first time, the final was streamed live on the appellation’s social media accounts, drawing nearly 1,200 viewers. A replay remains available online to relive the highlights of this edition.
A commitment to the future
Created in 2019, the Young Sommeliers Trophy aims to promote the profession’s future talents and strengthen their connection with great terroirs, particularly that of Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
The event is supported by the Union de la Sommellerie Française, the AOP Comté, and Cavistes & Sommeliers magazine.
The next edition has already been announced: see you in September 2027 for the 5th edition of this now-unmissable competition.
