Every year since 2011, the Marmite Youngster Competition has chosen a young talent from the world of gastronomy. Judging is conducted on the strictest criteria. The distinguished jury members include renowed names such as Michelin-starred chef Antonio Colaianni from Restaurant Ornellaia, two-star chef Patrick Mahler from Restaurant Focus at Park Hotel Vitznau and 2019 World Sommelier Champion Marc Almert from Baur au Lac.

The young talents have to prove themselves in the categories of cuisine, patisserie, service and sommelier. Taking part not only offers the participants a stage to demonstrate their skills, but also a good springboard.

The Head of Wines 2025

Benjamin Zimmerling from Grace La Margna St. Moritz beat his four competitors in the «Sommellerie» category to win the title of Marmite Youngster 2025 on Monday evening. The prize - a golden trophy in the shape of an artichoke - was presented to him at the Dolder Grand Hotel in Zurich.

The team at Grace La Margna St. Moritz is also proud of its qualified sommelier. «Benjamin not only prevailed in a challenging selection process, but also demonstrated his outstanding skills in the final. We are delighted with his success!,» says Hotel Director David Frei.

Benjamin Zimmerling has already led the way in ten competitions, including the Ambassadeut du Champagne 2020 in Austria and the Sake Pairing Contest.

Sommelier as a Teenager

The 29-year-old Tyrolean began his training as a sommelier in Austria at the age of 18. The Marmite Youngster 2025 not only has over 10 years of experience, but has also worked with 19-point chef Simon Taxacher at the Hotel Rosengarten in Tyrol.

Benjamin Zimmerling has been Head of Wines at Grace La Margna St. Moritz since last year. «It's important to me that I can do what we sommeliers do best in my job: being a host, especially here at the hotel,» he explains.