# Best Wine Merchant of France Contest 2026

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/best-wine-merchant-of-france-contest-2026
> Updated: 2026-10-27T08:14:25.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2.

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.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-27: 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 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/benot-laly-named-best-wine-merchant-in-france-2026

### 2026-10-11: 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.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/best-wine-merchant-of-france-contest-to-be-held-in-luberon

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Cite as: Best Wine Merchant of France Contest 2026. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/best-wine-merchant-of-france-contest-2026