Yancheng Liu

Yancheng was born and raised in Shanghai, China and completed his studies in maritime law at Balian University before he moved to Scotland to attend University of Glasgow for a Masters in Law with a focus on international commercial. It was in Scotland, after graduation, that he developed an interest in cooking. This led to an on-trade role in wine whilst completing his WSET Levels 2 and 3, during which a guest encouraged him to apply to a sommelier role at Sketch where he first worked in London. In 2023 he moved to Maison Estelle where he was promoted several times, finally as Deputy Head Sommelier where he also looked after wine education. Yancheng holds the WSET Diploma, WSET Level 3 in Sake, Advanced Sommelier Diploma (and he is preparing for the next level, Master Sommelier, currently), and the French Wine Scholar from the Wine Scholar Guild. He has also received several awards: 2024 Chaîne des Rôtisseurs UK Best Young Sommelier, the Gerard Basset Tasting Trophy, and was third place in the 2024 Chaîne des Rôtisseurs World Best Young Sommelier. He has a deep interest in history and music.