More than just a professional competition for sommeliers, French Wine Contest 2026 highlights the growing role of wine professionals in connecting people, advancing education, and promoting wine culture in Vietnam.
Organized for the first time in Vietnam by Business France, in collaboration with the Vietnam Sommelier Association (VSA), French Wine Contest 2026 took place in two major cities: Ho Chi Minh City on October 28 at Caravelle Saigon, and Hanoi on October 30 at Grand Mercure Hanoi.
The competition featured three professional challenges: a theoretical examination and blind tasting. Participants were required to demonstrate not only an in-depth knowledge of French wine regions, grape varieties, and wine styles, but also their tasting abilities and analytical thinking.
CELEBRATING THE TOP-PERFORMING SOMMELIERS
In Ho Chi Minh City:
- First Prize: Trần Đức Thành
- Second Prize: Vũ Phúc Bảo Nhật (Mary Vũ)
- Third Prize: Lê Thị Vân Hằng
In Hanoi:
- First Prize: Trần Trung Kiên
- Second Prize: Lưu Tiến Đức
- Third Prize: Yulia Tregubova
These achievements recognize individual excellence while reflecting the growing potential of Vietnam’s sommelier community. As the wine market continues to evolve, the demand for professionals with strong knowledge, technical skills, and the ability to communicate the cultural stories behind wine is becoming increasingly important.
FROM TRADE TO CULTURAL VALUE
As France’s national agency for international economic development, Business France plays a key role in connecting French businesses with global markets while promoting France’s distinctive industries and cultural values. By organizing French Wine Contest for the first time in Vietnam, Business France recognizes the important role sommeliers play in bringing French wines closer to consumers through education, knowledge, and meaningful wine experiences.
A key partner in the initiative, the Vietnam Sommelier Association (VSA) is a non-profit organization established in 2019, dedicated to developing the sommelier profession and promoting wine culture in Vietnam. As a member of the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI), VSA plays an important role in nurturing the next generation of Vietnamese sommeliers, raising professional standards, and building a healthy community where F&B professionals can learn, connect, and grow together.
Alongside the competition, the programme also featured a Trade Tasting with 22 French wine producers. Another highlight was a Masterclass exploring the wines of Occitanie, led by Lê Hoàng Khánh Vi, Vice President of VSA, together with Lisa, representing the region. The session offered wine professionals and enthusiasts an opportunity to discover the region’s distinctive identity, terroir, and the diversity of one of France’s most fascinating wine-producing areas.
WHEN SOMMELIERS BECOME AMBASSADORS OF WINE CULTURE
France has long held a leading position in Vietnam’s wine market. According to Business France, French wines continue to rank first in terms of import value in Vietnam, accounting for approximately 31.6% of the market, equivalent to nearly EUR 21 million.
Yet, the value of wine extends far beyond the product itself or its commercial figures. Behind every bottle lies a story of land, people, history, and tradition. Sommeliers are the ones who bring these stories to life, transforming each tasting experience into an opportunity to discover and appreciate wine culture.
French Wine Contest 2026 is therefore more than a competition to recognize outstanding individuals. It represents another meaningful step towards developing wine culture in Vietnam. As wine culture continues to grow, so does the importance of the sommelier profession. The professionals of today will help shape a future generation of wine consumers who are more knowledgeable, curious, and appreciative of the stories and traditions behind every glass.
Photo: Business France
Phuong Maxy began her journey as a storyteller, sharing untold stories about people in the wine industry on her personal blog. She also contributes to international publications, bringing perspectives from Vietnam’s emerging wine culture to a global audience.
With over 10 years of experience in wine marketing and communications, Phuong is passionate about connecting people, culture, and knowledge through the world of food and wine.
Her work has been recognized as one of the Top 50 Influential Women and awarded Writer of the Year by Women in Wine & Spirits Award 2025.
