Maxime Valery remporte le 21e Master of Port

In late 2025, the Cercle d’Aumale in Paris hosted the final of the 21st Master of Port, where Maxime Valery, Executive Head Sommelier at the Auberge du Pont de Collonges, Paul Bocuse**, was crowned winner. He succeeds Frédéric Schaetzel, who claimed the title at the previous edition.

Held every two years and organised by the Institute of Douro and Porto Wines, the Syndicate of Port Wine Shippers and the Union de la Sommellerie Française, the competition brought together a select group of sommeliers showcasing their expertise in Port wines. Twenty-seven candidates took part in the initial selection. Six advanced beyond the first rounds, before three finalists faced the jury: Logan Guignot-Trufley, Mattia Angius and Maxime Valery.

Tasting exercises, technical skills, the ability to argue a position and adapt to real-life service scenarios left little room for improvisation during the final. Designed by Bertrand Bijasson and the technical committee, the challenges tested both precision and the ability to perform under time pressure.

With a career built across leading French and international establishments, Maxime Valery stood out for the depth of his knowledge and the accuracy of his approach. At the awards ceremony, attended by representatives of Port wine institutions and the French sommelier community, he was presented with the Master of Port trophy, a prestigious cellar of Port wines and a stay in the Douro Valley.

The next milestone is already set: the 22nd edition of this landmark competition, a recognised benchmark of excellence in the world of sommellerie, will take place in 2027.