Geneva came alive in September 2025 to the rhythm of the 18th International Jeunes Sommeliers Competition of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, a prestigious event that brought together 17 candidates from all corners of the globe for a contest dedicated to excellence, discovery, and emotion.

A journey into the heart of Swiss vineyards
On the eve of the competition, participants explored the spectacular landscapes of Lavaux, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Guided by the Office for the Promotion of Vaudois Wines and Swiss Wine, they tasted vintages from the Champ Clos winery alongside winemaker Christelle Conne.

Their journey continued at Le Chalet restaurant, overlooking the terraced vineyards, where Jérôme Aké Béda - the only Officier Maître Sommelier member in Switzerland - shared his passion and knowledge of the region’s emblematic grape, Chasselas. He then received the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Professionals plaque, presented by Dominique Koppel, Bailli of the Canton of Vaud.

In the afternoon, the young Sommeliers travelled to Geneva, where they visited Clos du Château for a joint presentation with Domaine de La Roche 1859 and its Geneva wines, followed by an exceptional dinner at the Hood Hotel. There, Maître Hôtelier Tania Langhabel and Maître Rôtisseur Jean-Jacques Danthine extended a warm and refined welcome.

The Grand Final in the centre of Geneva
The next day, Friday 12th, the competition reached its peak with the Semi-final round at the Hôtel Métropole. Competitiors were evaluated by an outstanding jury of four internationally renowned Master Sommeliers: Yohann Jousselin, Virginia Philip, Fabien Mene, and Tamás Czinki. Saturday 13th saw the Final, again at the Hôtel Métropole, where the top three competitors from the Semi-final were put through their paces.

Awards Presentation and Induction Ceremony to the drums of the Old Grenadiers
Under the leadership of Bailli Alain Brunier and the Geneva committee, the final was integrated into the Grand Chapitre of Geneva, giving the event a historic and solemn dimension.

The young sommeliers received their awards and were inducted to the sound of Geneva’s Old Grenadiers. Klaus Tritschler, Member of the Conseils d’Administration and Magistral, was the Inducting Officer.

The 2025 title was awarded to Denmark’s Toke Fiedler Terkilden, who received a watch from Wempe and a 2,500 euro cheque, presented amidst the resounding drums of Geneva’s Old Grenadiers.

Australia’s Phillip Hallvig was declared the Runner-up, while Lithuanian national Erazim Ocvirk representing Great Britain, completed the podium in Third Place. They received cheques of 1,500 euro and 500 euro respectively.

The “Under 25 Trophy” (awarded to the contestant under 25 with the highest Semi-Final score) went to Toke Fiedler Terkilden, not surprising since he was the overall winner of the Competition.

The “Tasting Trophy” (awarded for the highest blind-tasting score in the Semi-Finals) was won by Jackson Pudlo from the USA.

In the opinion of everyone, each competitor was a winner. Our congratulations go to them all!

A Gala Dinner to close the event
In the presence of International Vice-President Marie Jones, and her committee, the competition concluded in the majestic setting of the Bâtiment des Forces Motrices. This former hydro-electric power station, now one of Geneva’s great cultural venues, hosted a Gala Dinner orchestrated by several Chefs and Maîtres Rôtisseurs, along with the official prize-giving ceremony.

The chefs deserve to be named:
* Danny Khezzar, Restaurant Le Bayview
* Philippe Chevrier, Domaine de Chateauvieux
* Nicolas Burgi, Traiteur de la Châtelaine
* Stéphane Taffonneau, Café du Levant

This extraordinary moment will be remembered as one of the most beautiful chapters in the history of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs in Switzerland.

Nadim Arfan
Échanson, Bailliage of Switzerland