AMV, Vietnam’s first-ever international wine competition crowns winner

The Grand Final Competition & Gala Awards Dinner of the Ambassadeur du Monde du Vin 2024 (AMV) concluded with a lively, high-energy atmosphere on October 19th at The Reverie Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

This inaugural event united leading wine experts and emerging talents from Vietnam, culminating in a Gala Dinner, awards ceremony, and expert-led masterclasses. This year, the winner was The Sipping Club, featuring Mary Vu (Co-Founder of MAD Wine Bar), Corentin Nevot (Southeast Asia Area Director of Castel Frères), and Maxime Dubois (Alumni Ambassador - Asia of FERRANDI).

Credit: AMV

AMV: A wine competition bringing together Vietnam's industry experts and wine lovers

Vietnam's F&B sector is undergoing tremendous growth, with the alcoholic beverage market, including wine, projected to reach USD 1.5 billion by 2025. The wine sector, in particular, has seen steady growth, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) estimated at 6.5% between 2023-2027, driven by the rise of the middle class and sophisticated consumers. However, despite the increasing popularity of wine, existing competitions primarily cater to professional sommeliers and the wine trade, ignoring the growing number of passionate Vietnamese wine consumers.

Ambassadeur du Monde du Vin addresses this growing demand. Launched on June 1, 2024, the international competition aims to foster a more inclusive wine culture in Vietnam embracing consumers as well as the trade. AMV’s three competitive rounds were held online, with the second and third rounds held in person nationwide, launching a world-class platform for emerging talents while enhancing the public’s appreciation for wine.

Credit: AMV

The Sipping Club: Winner of Vietnam’s first-ever international wine competition

The first round of competition involved over 200 participants nationwide; the second round narrowed down this pool to just 135, or 45 teams. The third and final round culminated in teams (comprising three people per team) competing for the title, AMV Ambassadeur 2024.

And, last but not least, the top eight teams went head to head, showcasing their expertise on October 19th 2024 in Ho Chi Minh. The numerous rounds tested their wine knowledge, teamwork, blind-tasting ability, and presentation skills before an audience and a panel of esteemed judges.

The top three teams for AMV 2024 were:

• Champion: The Sipping Club (Mary Vu, Corentin Nevot, Maxime Dubois)

• Runner-up: Sous-bois (Nguyen Khac Huy, Tran Duc Thanh, Vo Van Phat)

• Third place: Grape Us (Vu Duc Linh, Guillaume Delattre, Dao Le Ngoc Tram)

In a remarkable gesture of camaraderie and friendship, The Sipping Club shared their wine prize with the teams Sous-bois and Grape Us, exemplifying the spirit of unity and sportsmanship. (Credit: AMV)

The Sipping Club was victorious, exemplifying fantastic teamwork, exceptional blind tasting skills and earning recognition from the international jury. Their triumph brought them a grand prize of USD 9,000 in cash, 24 premium wine bottles, and an exclusive harvest experience at Bordeaux’ First Growth, Château Haut-Brion, and a private guided tasting and vineyard visit at Second Growth Château Montrose.

In a remarkable gesture of camaraderie and friendship, The Sipping Club shared their wine prize with the teams Sous-bois and Grape Us, exemplifying the spirit of unity and sportsmanship.

Wine experts around the world like Ms. Jeannie Cho Lee (Chair of Judges, Master of Wine), Mr. Richard Hemming (Master of Wine), Mr. Andreas Larsson (World’s Best Sommelier 2007), Mr. Doug Frost (Master of Wine & Master Sommelier) and Ms. Yang Lu (Master Sommelier) attended the event

A night of connection between wine lovers and experts from around the world

The Final Night was more than just a competition. It offered a unique opportunity for attendees to connect and network with top wine experts from Vietnam and worldwide. The panel of judges included leading professionals such as:

• Ms. Jeannie Cho Lee – Chair of Judges, Master of Wine

• Mr. Richard Hemming – Master of Wine

• Mr. Andreas Larsson – World’s Best Sommelier 2007

• Mr. Doug Frost – Master of Wine & Master Sommelier

• Ms. Yang Lu – Master Sommelier

The panel of international judges with immense global wine experience created an inspiring atmosphere for all the participants. The audience not only witnessed the intense competition on stage, but also tasted along with the contestants and gained insights into the world of wine. Audience participation was appreciated by everyone who attended since it is rare to experience first-hand the skill and knowledge required to compete at an international wine competition. It was an entertaining and educational experience for all who participated! 

Credit: AMV

A milestone for Vietnam's wine industry

The Ambassadeur du Monde du Vin 2024 concluded with remarkable achievements, promising new opportunities for the growth of Vietnam’s wine culture. With the participation of international experts and strong public support, the competition not only celebrated young talent but also served as a platform to elevate Vietnam’s position in the global wine scene.

Event sponsors included:

• Title Sponsors: Domaine Clarence Dillon, Château Haut-Brion, Château La Mission Haut-Brion, Château Quintus

• Platinum Sponsors: Red Apron Fine Wine & Spirits, Celliers d’Asie, Daloc, WeWine, Warehouse, Carmin de Peumo

• Gold Sponsors: Château Montrose, Vang Thiên Linh

• Partners: Capella Hanoi, Novotel Danang, Prime, Kadeka Vietnam, Phú&Em, Annam Professional & Evian, SSA

For more information about AMV Vietnam: www.amvawards.info

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