Exploring the World of Wine Competitions and Armenian Winemaking with Quentin Havaux

The Concours Mondial de Bruxelles is coming to Yerevan, Armenia. It is a huge feather in the cap of the Armenian wine trade and the story of how and why it landed there is inspiring. Quentin Havaux is the 3rd generation of the fames tasting and judging group and the ascent to international recognition of the CMB is quite organic and humble. 

The wine trade is unforgiving and requires tenancity and patience. Quentin describes the history of CMB with pure enthusiasm and passion. And the relentless ambition to tell the stories of wine is inspiring. 

Quentin Havaux believes wine isn't about intimidating jargon or arbitrary numbers—it's about the stories, the traditions, and the sheer enjoyment found in every glass. In this sparkling episode, listeners are invited to sip on the wisdom of the CEO of Vinopress, the driving force behind the influential Concours Mondial de Bruxelles. From family roots in the Belgian printing trade to orchestrating one of the world’s most respected wine competitions, Quentin reveals why he’s determined to keep wine approachable and full of wonder, rather than just a sum on a scale. Together with Paul Kalemkiarian, he uncorks how competition medals still shape the global wine trade, what it takes to champion emerging regions like Armenia, and how even the smallest producers can stand out when passion meets innovation.

You’ll hear how Quentin’s commitment to making wine enjoyable for everyone is influencing how we select, taste, and understand what’s in our glass. Get ready to travel from the wine bars of Seoul to the bustling streets of Yerevan, as Quentin brings us behind the scenes—from organizing blind tastings for thousands of wines to creating new ways for both connoisseurs and novices to connect with complex flavors through simple, engaging experiences. The narrative seamlessly blends the old world with the new: ancient Armenian amphorae, fresh-faced entrepreneurs, and an ever-curious new generation seeking more than just another familiar bottle on the shelf.

Here’s a taste of what you’ll walk away with:

• 🍷 How aroma-driven wine lists and fresh consumer experiences are breaking down barriers for everyday drinkers in wine bars around the world.

• 🍷 Why competition medals and international tastings are more than just marketing—they’re vital tools for elevating quality and helping producers from new regions gain global recognition.

• 🍷 Insights into the challenges—and unique opportunities—of introducing unfamiliar grape varieties and wine regions to a marketplace saturated with the “usual suspects.”

By journey’s end, you won’t just know more about how wine is judged or marketed; you’ll see how Quentin Havaux and his team are reshaping the way the world shares, savors, and celebrates wine—one lively conversation, and one unpretentious pour, at a time.

YouTube: https://youtu.be/qxITeNKKmME