Jeunes Sommeliers: More Than a Competition
Image: chainedesrotisseurs.com
A community, a springboard and an opportunity – for those considering whether life as a competition sommelier might be for them.
How do you go from being a young sommelier in Jutland to suddenly standing on an international stage surrounded by some of the world’s most skilled professionals? For Toke Fiedler Terkilldsen, 23, sommelier and waiter at Restaurant AOC and No.2, it began with curiosity and with saying yes when the opportunity arose, even before he felt “fully ready”. It culminated in 2025, standing at the top of the podium with a gold medal around his neck at the Jeunes competition.
Today, he is a clear example of what can happen when you engage with the Danish Sommelier Association and embrace the opportunities offered by the organisation, your workplace, and the broader network supporting young members.
Image: Dansk Sommelier Forening
"You’re never completely ready. But if you’re on the journey and dare to begin, determination can take you there.”"
Sponsored banner from Dansk Sommelier Uddannelse.
What is Jeunes Sommeliers?
Jeunes Sommeliers is an international competition exclusively for young sommeliers. You must be under 28 years old and must not have completed the Advanced certification from the Court of Master Sommeliers. You represent Denmark and the Danish Sommelier Association, and the competition brings together young sommeliers from across the globe over several days. It serves both as a professional challenge and a meeting place for the next generation of sommeliers. Perhaps it could be you?
The competition consists of:
• A written theory exam with multiple-choice questions and short answers
• Blind tasting of four wines
• Practical service tasks
• A focus on knowledge, tasting technique, communication, and service
As Toke explains, it’s not about knowing everything, it’s about navigating your craft under pressure. “The tasks are surprisingly similar to service. Once you’re there, you rely on what you already know from the restaurant.”
"Just preparing made me better at my daily work. I presented wine differently and felt more at ease in service."
Not Just for the Established Sommelier
One of the biggest misconceptions about sommelier competitions is that they are only for the “elite”. Toke’s experience was quite different. He entered his first competition without prior experience and without any expectation of winning. Yet the process proved pivotal for his professional development.
Image: chainedesrotisseurs.com
“Just preparing made me better at my daily work. I presented wine differently and felt more at ease in service.”
For many participants, Jeunes Sommeliers is not an end goal, but a learning environment and a stepping stone in their sommelier career.
The Network – The Hidden Advantage
One of the aspects that made the greatest impression on Toke was the sense of community surrounding the competition.
“It’s incredible how skilled and passionate the sommeliers you meet from around the world are and everyone helps each other.”
And those connections don’t end when the competition does, quite the opposite. Today, Toke has a network that may enable him to travel, work abroad, or exchange knowledge across countries in the future.
And the best part – You’re not alone
The Danish Sommelier Association is committed to supporting the sommeliers of tomorrow. The association provides guidance and support, backs participation in competitions, and connects you with former competitors like Toke, who are available to help with preparation.
As Toke puts it: “Everyone wants to help. You just have to reach out.”
Ask yourself these questions
If you can answer yes to several of the following, you might be our next candidate:
• Are you under 28 years old?
• Do you want to sharpen your professional skills and structure your knowledge?
• Do you thrive when working towards a clear goal?
• Would you like an international network of peers within the sommelier profession?
• Are you willing to challenge yourself – even if you don’t feel completely “ready”?
If so, your next step is simple:
• Contact Kim Thygesen from the board at Kt@sommelier.dk
• Have a conversation about the competition, its format, and expectations
• Find out whether the next spot could be yours
You don’t have to win the competition to take something valuable home.