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2 clusters · 3 sources · 17 days · First seen · Last updated

Best Wine Merchant of France Contest 2026

Overview

The 2026 Best Wine Merchant of France Contest was held on October 25 and 26 at Château Val Joanis in the Luberon region. Organized by the Syndicat des Cavistes Professionnels (SCP) and Cavistes & Co magazine, the biennial event brought together 40 professional wine merchants to highlight the evolving role of the profession, which is increasingly focused on personalized consumer guidance and business management.

Following a digital pre-selection, eight finalists were evaluated on viticultural knowledge, blind tasting, and customer service through oral presentations and sales simulations. Benoît Laly, an independent merchant from Cave Laly in Autun, was named the Best Wine Merchant in France 2026. Jean-Philippe Leroy of Vinothentik placed second, and Olivier Marotte of De la Vigne à l'Olivier placed third. Maxime Pavageau received recognition as the best young wine merchant under the age of 30.

Entities

Syndicat des Cavistes Professionnels · Château Val Joanis · Autun · Cyril Coniglio · Benoît Laly

Timeline

  1. [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Benoît Laly named Best Wine Merchant in France 2026

    Benoît Laly of Autun has won the 2026 Best Wine Merchant in France title after a rigorous two-day competition testing expertise and service.

  2. [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Best Wine Merchant of France Contest to be held in Luberon

    Forty wine merchants will compete in the 2026 Best Wine Merchant of France Contest in the Luberon region on October 25-26.

Sources

actu.fr · lacavedessens.fr · terredevins.com