Vietnam Welcomes First-Ever International Wine Competition

On June 6th, Vietnam's wine scene took an exciting turn with the launch of the Ambassadeur du Monde du Vin (AMV) competition - Vietnam’s first international wine competition.

The prestigious competition brings together wine lovers from all walks of life in Vietnam, giving everyone a welcoming space for both wine enthusiasts and industry professionals to share their love and knowledge of all things grape (great). And, while the event is led and judged by a panel of internationally acclaimed wine experts and Sommeliers from around the world - don’t be scared off - as it’s meant for total wine buffs and for those dipping their toes in to learn, discover and appreciate wine, together.

Credit: AMV Award

A sip of history

The concept of a nationwide wine competition in Vietnam was the brainchild of Jeannie Cho Lee over 20 years ago. Jeannie, the first Asian Master of Wine, has been a prominent figure in the wine industry for decades. She envisioned a competition to make wine more accessible and enjoyable for everyone, not just industry insiders. "Our goal is to unite the wine community in Vietnam and create a fun, educational environment," she says. Jeannie’s vision is finally coming to life with the inaugural AMV competition.

Jeannie Cho Lee (Credit: AMV Award)

Judged by the best

One of the highlights of AMV is its panel of esteemed international judges. This year's lineup includes some of the most respected names in the wine world, such as Andreas Larsson, Best Sommelier of the World 2007; Doug Frost, one of only three individuals to hold both the Master of Wine and Master Sommelier titles; Richard Hemming, Master of Wine; and Yang Lu, China’s first Master Sommelier. Their involvement ensures that the competition is judged with the highest standards of excellence and expertise.

"This competition is a true testament to the remarkable rise of Vietnam's F&B scene," says Sean Le, Founder of AMV. "It's fascinating to bring in world-class judges to Vietnam, not only to evaluate the entries but also to share their invaluable knowledge and expertise with Vietnamese wine professionals and enthusiasts alike."

Credit: AMV Award

Reasons to join

The AMV competition is all about the experience (or winning, for the competitive minds). Participants have the chance to win a fantastic prize package that includes an educational trip to a prestigious winery in France. This unique opportunity allows winners to immerse themselves in the winemaking process and gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry behind each bottle. Additionally, winners will receive a monetary reward and bottles of wine.

The competition unfolds in three exciting stages:

• June 7th - July 31st: Application Stage

• September 8th: Blind Tasting

• October 19th: Final Competition (Danang)

A toast to the future

Vietnam’s F&B industry is thriving, with revenue exceeding VND590 trillion (US$23.6 billion) in 2023 and a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.25% until 2027. While restaurants dominate the market, the wine sector is steadily gaining traction. The AMV competition aims to bridge the gap between industry professionals and casual wine drinkers, fostering a more inclusive and dynamic wine culture in Vietnam.

Sean Le highlights that while existing wine competitions in Vietnam often target sommeliers, AMV opens the door to a broader audience. The competition creates a space where anyone who loves wine, whether they are seasoned connoisseurs or curious newcomers, can come together and celebrate.

Visit amvawards.info for details on how to participate and be a part of this landmark celebration of wine culture in Vietnam.

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