In the heart of Shanghai at the JW Marriott Hotel Fengxian, something extraordinary brewed, quite literally. The Dilmah & Marriott International Natural Luxury Sommelier Challenge – China Edition wasn’t just another culinary competition; it was a celebration of craftsmanship, culture and conscious luxury, all brewed in the essence of fine Ceylon Tea.
What made this edition even more special was the symbolism of its setting. Ceylon Tea, grown in the lush highlands of Sri Lanka, returned to the land where tea itself was born, China.
With nearly 90 Marriott International hotels across Greater China taking part, the competition was fierce and flavourful. From intricate tea infusions to gastronomic pairings and spirit-infused creativity, 12 teams emerged as finalists, redefining what luxury tea service looks like in the 21st century.
At the heart of this initiative is Dilhan C. Fernando, Chairman/CEO of Dilmah Tea and the driving force behind the challenge. As he explained, this isn’t about flashy opulence, luxury today is rooted in nature, authenticity, wellness and respect – respect for ingredients, for artisans and for the timeless ritual of traditional tea-making.
The finalists rose to the challenge, creating everything from Earl Grey infused cocktails to tea-smoked delicacies, fusing heritage with innovation. The competition culminated in a live showcase judged by a distinguished panel including Dilhan C. Fernando, Stephen Lim, Director of Restaurants & Bars, Marriott International Greater China, Sven Heinrich Wunram, Culinary Director, Marriott International Greater China, and Ho Hoang Huy, Acclaimed Vietnamese Mixologist.
The grand title was shared by Team Wuhan Marriott Hotel Wuchang and Team Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong, who captivated the judges with their seamless infusion of story, flavour and artistry.
Other accolades included:
· Best Inspirational Tea Beverage: Charles Kaderabek, Renaissance Harbor View Hong Kong
· Best Food Pairing: Lydia Song, The Shanghai Edition
· Best Tea Sommelier: Amanda Au Yeung, The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong
· Best Team Collaboration: Christ Dong & Rain Huang, The Westin Guangzhou
This edition marked the international debut of the Challenge, with China, the birthplace of tea, as the fitting first stop. From here, the journey continues globally, reviving lost food cultures, honouring artisans, and placing tea at the heart of a conscious luxury experience. Because in a fast-paced world, sometimes true sophistication is found in the stillness of a perfectly brewed cup.
