The 5th Young Sommeliers Competition Winners

The Young Sommeliers’ Olympiad is an online learning + competitive initiative where the best-in-trade professionals educate young people aspiring to join the hospitality industry.

The 5th Young Sommeliers’ Olympiad staged in 2024 concluded successfully with the gratifying development that candidates’ level of skills and knowledge are increasing year-on-year. This year the cut-off age for applicants was increased from 23 to 25 years so that young working professionals could participate as well.

Each champion finalist went through a rigorous process which tested their skills, knowledge, aptitude, and personality. The competition had nine rounds through which the winners were picked, with a final round of masterclasses for the six finalists where they were put through their paces before the Jury at Le Cirque, The Leela Palace New Delhi.

The five-member jury comprised

• Ms Avantika Joshi – Owner, Fola Kitchen & Bar, Chandigarh
• Mr. Sahil Misra – Certified Sommelier + Brand Ambassador, Sula Vineyards
• Mr. Divyanshu Mishra – Co-Founder, Bittersweet Hospitality
• Mr. Justin Khodaiji – Senior Faculty, Oberoi Centre for Learning & Development
• Mr. Atul Tiwari – EAM Food & Beverage, The Leela Palace New Delhi

Pranav Seth was the winner,  Shaunak Dalal, the 1st runner-up and Abraham Varghese, 2nd runner-op. The other finalists were Alabhya Singh, Dipen Shelar and Shardul Mahalaxme.

The winners will receive cash scholarships and a series of travel opportunities to wineries and distilleries in the country accompanied by industry leaders and Sommelier Gagan Sharma.