Contests - Sommeliers Association of India

The ASI Contest of The Best Sommelier of the World has existed since 1969, the same year that the international association itself was founded. The contest has historically been held every three years, but due to COVID-related delays, Marc Almert’s successor – Raimonds Tomsons (Latvia) was crowned in 2023 in Paris, France.

The affiliation of Sommeliers Association of India with ASI will put every member sommelier at par with international sommeliers. India has massive potential, and recognition as an ASI-affiliated sommelier, will open up job opportunities around the world, as there is a shortage of good sommeliers worldwide.

Salvatore Castano

Co-Founder & Vice-President, Sommeliers Association of India

The Competition

At the Sommeliers Association of India (SAI), we are dedicated to celebrating excellence and supporting the journey towards mastery. We are thrilled to introduce our dynamic platform, providing passionate sommeliers with the opportunity to showcase their talents. Through SAI, sommeliers can compete for the esteemed title of Best Sommelier of India. The winner will receive specialised training and mentorship from our distinguished award-winning sommeliers which will help them to prepare for the global competitions, where they will have the opportunity to participate in Best Sommelier of Asia & Pacific and furthermore, Best Sommelier of the World. Stay tuned for more updates on the competition.

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I am so delighted that Amrita and her colleagues have created an Indian Sommelier Association that has been recognised by ASI. Amrita is truly inspiring and will be the perfect person to guide, help, mentor and educate sommeliers across India, through the Sommeliers Association of India. I am very much looking forward to seeing the association grow and flourish under Amrita’s leadership.

Nina Basset FIH

The Founding Trustee of the Gérard Basset Foundation. Former, ASI Secretary General

The Journey to Excellence

The real significance of ASI Contests lies beyond mere glory. Whether international, national, or local, contests organised by ASI member associations all aim to offer a platform for demonstrating service excellence.

Preparing for competitions brings sommeliers to the forefront of their field. In return for their commitment, ASI contests encourage sommeliers to broaden their local, national, and international networks, inspire them to refine their expertise and enhance public awareness of the sommelier profession.

The competitions are open to candidates from restaurants, wine bars, wine merchants, or the larger oenogastronomy business. All ASI competitions are planned and executed under the supervision and oversight of the Sommeliers Contests Committee.

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It was a great pleasure to witness the Sommeliers Association of India being accepted into the ASI College of Applicants during the ASI General Assembly in Monaco in February 2024. I believe Amrita is the ideal person to lead this initiative, as her knowledge and experience will undoubtedly help build a robust association in India. I look forward to seeing new sommeliers from India, and it will be a delight to watch them compete in the Best Sommelier of the World Competition.

Beata Vinkova

ASI Secretary General. President of the Association of Sommeliers of the Slovak Republic

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Best Sommelier of India

The first-ever internationally recognized Best Sommelier of India competition will be held in accordance with the guidelines of the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI). The Winner will represent India for the first time at the Best Sommelier of Asia & Pacific 2025.

Best Sommelier of Asia & Pacific

Every 3 years candidates meet for three days of high-level tests, tasting, service tasks – all aimed at putting them in professional situations to test their skills and abilities.

Schedule - Best Sommelier of Asia & Pacific 2025 September 7-11, 2025, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Schedule subject to change without notice.

Learn More

Best Sommelier of the World

Every 3 years, ASI holds the Best Sommelier of the Word contest. After the contest in Antwerp, Belgium in 2019, the next edition took place in Paris from 7th to 12th February 2023

Schedule - Best Sommelier of the World 2026, Lisbon, Portugal, tbc

Schedule subject to change without notice. All candidates and delegates are expected to attend all seminars and events as part of their attendance at the ASI Best Sommelier of the World contest.

Learn More

Code of Ethics

We want to advocate for responsible alcohol consumption and ethical practices within the alcohol and beverage industry in India.

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The 2025 SAI Best Sommelier of India Competition is here!

21st to 23rd January 2025.

This is your chance to showcase your skills, compete with the best, and make history by representing India on the international stage at the ASI Contest Best Sommelier of Asia & Pacific and beyond.

If you are a sommelier working in India, or an Indian Sommelier working abroad, this is your moment to shine!

Become a Member

*To compete it's required to be a Sommelier Member

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Professionals

We create a sense of community among wine and spirits professionals, encouraging a supportive environment for learning, sharing, and collaborating. Additionally, we advocate for the beverage and hospitality industry, representing the interests of our members in various forums and discussions, ensuring their voices are heard and their contributions recognized.

Sommeliers

Our community brings together sommeliers and aspiring sommeliers, offering a space to connect, learn, and grow. Through masterclasses, tastings, training programs, and exclusive events, we empower our members with the skills and knowledge to excel. We also organize seminars and competitions that expose members to international standards, helping them stay at the forefront of the wine industry.

Enthusiasts

We bring together a strong network of passionate wine aficionados. By promoting a deeper appreciation and understanding of the broader beverage culture and heritage, we aim to enrich the experience for all members, enhancing both their knowledge and lifestyle.

Importers & Distributors

Leveraging the expertise and network of sommeliers to enhance business operations, expand market reach, and elevate brand reputation serves as a valuable partner for wine importers and distributors by offering specialised knowledge, market insights, training, networking opportunities, and promotional support.

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Producers

Actively promote and support the growth of the Indian beverage industry by organizing events, tastings, and promotions. Establish partnerships with wineries, distilleries, and breweries to showcase their products, encouraging a greater appreciation for the diversity of Indian produce.

Hospitality

We are dedicated to enhancing your Beverage Programme by providing access to a talented pool of qualified sommeliers and comprehensive educational resources. Our goal is to assist you in curating exceptional wine lists for your hotel, restaurant, or wine bar, elevating your guests' dining experience.