Jeunes Sommelier 2025 – Chaîne des Rôtisseurs
Toke Fiedler Terkildsen in the center. Photo: Kim Thygesen Danielsen
My journey with the Jeunes Sommeliers Competition started in February/March when I signed up as the Danish competitor for the international competition. At that time, I had never entered a competition before and still did not know what it was going to take.
Toke Fiedler Terkildsen. Photo: Kim Thygesen Danielsen
This year the competition was held in Geneva, Switzerland, so more than anything it was the perfect chance to be able to try some of all the Swiss wines, that are never exported since they drink about 99% of the wines themselves. Two big reasons for this. Of course, the very low quantity and also the quite high quality of the wines. And even better it was the perfect excuse to really dive deep into Swiss wine theory which had never before been a part of my study plan.
The real studying for it all started around May, when I started to study more or less full time besides my job at Restaurant domæne of course. I have personally really enjoyed all of the reading, practicing and tasting because it has of both made me a better sommelier but also just meant that I have been performing better and better service at my job which was a great drive as well.
Once it finally became September I was heading of to Switzerland for my 2nd ever competition just 2 days after my 1st being the Danish Sommelier Championship which was absolutely great practice before going to this very big and meaningful competition in Switzerland.
The first few days in Switzerland was all about getting to know all of the other people and as much of the Swiss wine as possible. In total we were 17 countries represented in Geneva from some of the best restaurants around the world. Never before had I been in a group of so many talented and passionate people. This to me was also one of the best experiences that I have taken with me from the competition. So many great and talented new connections from all around the world. This I am truly grateful to both Dansk Sommelier Forening and the Danish and International Chaine des Rotisseurs for allowing me to be a part of.
Screenshot taken from https://competitions.chainedesrotisseurs.com/pages/235/the-winners.html
“Having won the competition is truly an honor but the biggest thing for me is all of the network that the international competition has allowed me to gain.”
Coming here I never thought that it was eventually me, that was going to take the title home. Everyone else had competed against really tough opponents from their home country. Because of this I did not truly see myself in the top 3, but nevertheless all the studying and practice paid off because of the day of the finals I got called on stage for the Final.
Eventually I somehow managed to win the entire thing. I still do not quite comprehend this fact, but am truly honored and personally incredibly inspired by all of the other young talents and every single thing, that I have learned both from then and from the 4 MS judges.
Having won the competition is truly an honor but the biggest thing for me is all of the network that the international competition has allowed me to gain. I am personally hoping, that me going to Geneva, Switzerland to the Jeunes Sommeliers World Championship will hopefully inspire others under 28 to do the same and take the leap. This is the biggest thing that has happened to me in my life without a doubt and I hope to be able to help others on their journey in competitions as I have just started my own.
I personally just want to be able to thank once again the Danish Sommelier Association, The Danish and International Chaine des Rottiseurs organizations, the 4 judges, Restaurant domæne and everyone that has helped me get to where I am now.
Thank you.
Photo: Kim Thygesen Danielsen
Kim Thygesen Danielsen and Toke Fiedler Terkildsen.
