Following nationwide screening there were three competitors each in the National Final from New South Wales and Victoria.

It was held in The Pioneers’ Room at RAC Australia in Macquarie Street, Sydney. A very fitting location for an auspicious event such as the Jeunes Sommeliers National Final, the room is adorned with memorabilia from the original Australasian Pioneers’ Club, offering a charming glimpse into the RACA's past.

After a long day of competition - and with all competitors acquitting themselves extremely well - Phillip Hallvig was named the winner.

Phillip came from a restaurant family and worked as a waiter in his teenage years. He was employed in the family restaurant from 2015-2019 at Spiseret Verdens Ende (English: “The End of the World Diner”) in Tjome, Norway.

From 2020-2022 during the COVID restrictions he started studying wine after which he moved to Australia where, 2022-2024, he was a Sommelier at Restaurant Society - part of the Lucas Group. Since then, he has been Assistant Head Sommelier at Maison Batard, also a Lucas Group establishment.

This is another great outcome for the Bailliage of Victoria as Chris Millington won the National Final of the Jeunes Chefs Rôtisseurs Competition earlier this year.

Phillip will now travel to Geneva in September this year to represent Australia in the 2025 International Final of the Jeunes Sommeliers Competition.

Edwina Morris
Chargée de Missions