Jaisen Pandoo to Represent Mauritius at 2026 World Sommelier Finals

Mauritian sommelier Jaisen Pandoo has been named the country’s Best Sommelier of Mauritius 2025 after a hard-fought competition. The sommelier from Constance Prince Maurice hotel emerged victorious, narrowly beating two other finalists to claim the coveted title at the Trianon Convention Centre on August 19.

Pandoo, who succeeds Shani Ramasawmy as the national champion, will now represent Mauritius at the 2026 World Sommelier Championship in Portugal. His victory marks the growing prominence of the sommelier profession on the island.

Intense Final Puts Candidates to the Test

The 2025 competition, held three years after the last one, pushed competitors to their limits with a series of rigorous challenges.

The three finalists, Pandoo, Jean-Noël Desvaux Geerdharry, and Visjal Anand Jevallee, faced off in front of a live audience and an esteemed international judging panel, which included David Biraud, France’s Best Sommelier of 2002, and three-Michelin-star chef Jérôme Banctel.

The tests included a blind tasting of a Pinot Noir from the Côte de Nuits, followed by the blind identification of four different wines.

Candidates then had to create six-course food and wine pairings for a menu presented to six of the world’s best sommeliers.

They also participated in a timed challenge to decant and serve a Spanish Primera Guerra Trio Infernal in six minutes, an olfactory tasting of five spirits to identify an intruder, and a test identifying wines from damaged labels.

The competition culminated in a high-level exchange with Chef Banctel.

A Passion Rewarded

Pandoo’s precise skills, composure, and passion for his craft set him apart from his competitors.

He defeated runner-up Jean-Noël Desvaux Geerdharry (Assistant Head Sommelier at Heritage Le Telfair Golf & Wellness Resort) and third-place finisher Visjal Anand Jevallee (also from Constance Prince Maurice).

“Being a sommelier isn’t just about serving wine: it’s about telling a story, awakening emotions, and creating unforgettable moments for our clients,” Pandoo said after his victory.

“Being recognised as the best sommelier in Mauritius… rewards years of hard work, curiosity, and passion, but also the deep desire to share and help people discover the infinite richness of the world of wine.”

A Growing Institution on the Island

The competition highlighted the remarkable progress of sommellerie in Mauritius, a profession that was nearly non-existent two decades ago with only a handful of professionals.

Under the guidance of Jérôme Faure, the pioneer of the discipline and President of the Mauritius Sommeliers Association (ASIM), the art of wine has gained significant recognition and prestige.

“The title of Best Sommelier of Mauritius is a real source of national pride and allows us to choose a worthy ambassador to carry the colours of Mauritius high in the world of wine,” Faure stated, noting that the event serves as a platform to promote wine culture and expertise.

The ASIM, founded in 2008, aims to promote the sommelier profession, support its development, and ensure ethical standards.

The competition was supported by various partners and sponsors, including Constance Hotels & Resorts, Grays, and Nespresso, reflecting a broad commitment to local talent and the profession’s growth.

Source: Le Mauricien