Champion Vanessa Tan.

The Sommelier Association of Singapore (SAS) has announced that Vanessa Tan has been crowned Champion of the 16th Singapore National Sommelier Competition (SNSC).

She was joined by first and second runner-ups Wyman Kok and Lesley Liu respectively.

Tan said: “I am deeply honoured to be named the 2025 SNSC Champion. This win is the result of countless hours of practice, guidance from my mentors and the camaraderie of my peers. I’m grateful to the Sommelier Association of Singapore for this platform and look forward to representing our community, sharing what I’ve learned, and supporting the next generation of sommeliers.”

The competition was held alongside The Grape Escape 2025 — a public-facing wine fair running under the theme “Progeny and Prodigies” with more than 50 exhibitors, masterclasses and tasting demonstrations.

1st Runner-Up Wyman Kok (Top) and 2nd Runner-Up Lesley Liu (Bottom).

Other individual awards included:

• Rising Star: Zheng Zhe Kor

• Best Theory Award: Vanessa Tan

• Best Sparkling Wine Service: Vanessa Tan

• Best Practical Service: Lesley Liu

• Best Blind Taster: Wyman Kok

An international panel judged the final using A.S.I.-aligned standards. The panel was spearheaded by Chief Judge Kevin Lu MS and featured several experts including Masters of Wine Jackie Ang, Anette Scarfe, and Ying Hsien Tan, as well as former SNSC winners Fazil MD, Indra Kumar, Alvin Gho, and Alan Au. 

Kanpai!

88 Bamboo Editorial Team