Benoît Laly wins Best Sommelier of France

Benoît Laly, an independent sommelier based in Autun, won the Best Sommelier of France competition on Monday, October 26, after a two-day competition at Château Val Joanis in the Luberon region. The event, organized by the Syndicat des Cavistes Professionnels (SCP), aimed to highlight the importance of the sommelier profession.

Competition results and other finalists

Laly was joined on the podium by Jean-Philippe Leroy, who won the silver medal, and Olivier Marotte, who received the bronze. Maxime Pavageau was awarded the title of Best Young Sommelier of France for being under 30 years old. Several other finalists competed, including Yannick Chevallier, Éric Fèvre, Mathieu Pierantoni, Nicolas Rumeau, and Benjamin Holvoet.

Competition structure and selection process

The competition began with forty qualifiers selected through online pre-selections on May 18. These candidates took two written tests: a questionnaire and a blind tasting, both scored out of 100 points. The top fifteen candidates advanced to the semifinals, where they faced two oral tests, each scored out of 20 points.

Semifinal and final day challenges

In the semifinals, competitors faced a mystery scenario involving a customer looking to buy six bottles of wine for 1,100 euros, and a speed and knowledge quiz with 40 questions. The eight finalists then moved on to the final day, where they participated in four tests, each scored out of 20 points. The morning began with a blind tasting of five liquids, followed by a product presentation on a biodynamic wine from the Luberon.

Final tests and ceremony

The day concluded with a speed and knowledge quiz, after which the prize list was announced and a gala dinner was held. After lunch, the finalists took part in a "live cellar sales advice" simulation, responding to a housewarming party scenario with specific food and wine preferences. Each competitor had to propose choices within a 200 euro budget and comment on a micro-agglomerated cork from the Diam brand.

List of past winners

Laly joins a list of previous winners, including Stéphane Alberti (2014), Philippe Schlick (2016), Cyril Coniglio (2018), Matthieu Potin (2020), David Morin (2022), and Olivier Leseul (2024).