Xavier Thuizat, a leading figure in French and European sommellerie, will be the class patron for the Wine and Management Diploma in September 2025. This mentorship role reflects his unwavering desire to share his knowledge and to be a veritable role model for upcoming generations who are looking to pursue a career in wine.

His own career path has been nothing short of exceptional, strewn with success and prestigious awards. Currently Head Sommelier at the Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel, and Rosewood Sommelier Europe, he honed his craft working at numerous prestigious gastronomic establishments including the Relais Bernard Loiseau, Le Meurice, Pierre Gagnaire and the Peninsula.

His eminent career has been marked by a series of awards, including Meilleur Sommelier de France and Meilleur Ouvrier de France in 2023, cementing his reputation as a wine expert and enabling him to carve out an ever-more fulfilling role. Xavier Thuizat is also renowned for helping develop the Hôtel de Crillon's cellar, one of the best-stocked in France with over 2,500 different wines, as well as for the role he plays as Rosewood Sommelier Europe, which involves overseeing the wine and spirit programming for the Hôtel de Crillon and the Rosewood group's European establishments. In 2024, he was appointed Head Sommelier of the Air France group, tasked with selecting wines and beverages to be served to First Class, Business Class and Economy passengers. In 2024, he was awarded the Michelin Guide's Grand Prix de la Sommellerie, a crowning achievement that reflects his unwavering commitment to the art of wine and spirits.

As a fervent advocate of authentic and generous sommellerie, Xavier Thuizat is particularly keen to share his expertise and values with the next generation. Above and beyond his professional accomplishments, he adopts an innovative approach to sommellerie, choosing to shine a light on rare vintages and champion up-and-coming wines.

Appointing Xavier Thuizat as class patron for the 2025 Le Cordon Bleu Paris Wine and Management Diploma was a carefully considered decision. It acknowledges his exemplary career and his ability to inspire future talent, and the role will see him serve as a mentor for the next generation. His commitment to sharing his know-how combined with his unique expertise makes him the perfect role model for students preparing to enter the world of sommellerie and wine management.

In 2025, Xavier Thuizat will consequently continue to uphold the excellence of French sommellerie, passionately sharing his knowledge and helping up-and-coming talent lay solid foundations to build successful careers of their own.