Jaisen Pandoo Crowned Best Sommelier of Mauritius 2025
A remarkable milestone shines at Constance Prince Maurice: Assistant Head Sommelier Jaisen Pandoo has been named Best Sommelier of Mauritius 2025, honouring his discipline and passion for the craft. With a glass raised in celebration, Constance Hotels & Resorts shares in this achievement, a proud moment not only for the property, but for the entire group.
For Jaisen, this title marks year of his commitment and sacrifice. Countless hours of revision, daily tastings with his sommelier team, and tireless practice in service shaped the path to this victory. His defining moment came in the blind tasting challenge though, one of the most demanding aspects of the competition, where he identified all five wines correctly.
Behind his success stand mentors Jerome Faure and Jorald Julie,(Corporate Sommelier and Assistant Group Sommelier at Constance Hotels & Resorts, respectively) who encouraged him at every step, instilling the belief that perseverance would lead him to this triumph.
Jaisen’s journey began fifteen years ago, when he started as a Trainee Sommelier at a time when the profession was still rare in Mauritius. What drew him was the nobility of the role, and over the years he has seen how passion for wine can touch people’s lives. He recalls introducing red wine to a guest who had never enjoyed it before: “Since that day, she fell in love with red wine, and she still reaches out for recommendations.”
Much of Jaisen’s professional growth has taken root at Constance Prince Maurice, home to the largest wine cellar in the Indian Ocean. With the support of Mr. Plantier, General Manager at Constance Prince Maurice) he was able to pursue his Wine Diploma at Château Suze-la-Rousse in 2018, further refining his expertise.
Yet Jaisen insists this achievement is also the result of teamwork: “My sommelier team and F&B colleagues carried the weight of daily operations while I prepared. Their support is woven into this victory.”
Next, Jaisen will represent Mauritius at the World’s Best Sommelier Contest. For him, the opportunity is both personal and a national pride: “Even though Mauritius has no vineyards, we can show the world that great sommeliers are nurtured here.”
When asked what he is most excited to share with the international stage, his answer is telling, German Riesling. With its exotic fruit notes reminiscent of Mauritius’ orchards and its harmony with local dishes like shrimp and chicken curry, it is a wine that bridges his island home with the wider world.
As Jaisen embarks on this next chapter, his achievement is celebrated far beyond Constance Prince Maurice. It is a moment of pride for Constance Hotels & Resorts, whose commitment to excellence and cultivation of talent continues to shine on the world stage.
To aspiring sommeliers, Jaisen leaves words of encouragement as clear as a fine vintage: “Motivation, sacrifice, discipline. Failure is no excuse, keep going until your goals are within reach.”