I attended the Best Sommelier of the World competition in Paris last year to support Mattia, who was representing Italy. We noticed that while there was representation from many Asian countries, India, with the largest and youngest population in the world and considered a benchmark in hospitality standards, was missing from the lineup. Our endeavour has not only been to create the Sommeliers Association of India but also to get it affiliated to ASI at the very outset. It is the opportune moment for the launch of an internationally affiliated body that will bring India into special focus and provide Indian professionals opportunities on the world stage.

Amrita Singh
Co-Founder & President, Sommeliers Association of India

The Beginning

Amrita, Mattia and Salvatore connected with Nina Basset FIH, the founding trustee of the Gérard Basset Foundation, who had earlier served as Secretary General and has been an integral part of the ASI for many years. Nina introduced them to the ASI to understand the requirements for membership.

Amrita Singh, the President of the Sommeliers Association of India (SAI), attended the event in Monaco at the invitation of the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI). She presented SAI's vision and mission to the ASI Executive Board and Presidents from 65 member countries. SAI was voted unanimously to be inducted into the ASI’s College of Applicants and the announcement was greeted with resounding applause.

In my tenure as ASI President, our global family of member associations has expanded to all corners of the globe. In many ways ASI feels like a big family; one that is diverse, inclusive and understanding of the uniqueness of each member. We are thrilled that the Sommeliers Association of India, under the stewardship of Amrita Singh, has been formed. India represents a new world for sommellerie, as its increasingly diverse culture, rising wealth, and its breadth of hospitality destinations makes for a vibrant food and drink scene. Having a strong sommelier association in India will only help to raise the standards and profile of its restaurants, hotels and other dining options. At ASI we are looking forward to supporting and collaborating with Amrita and the entire team.

William Wouters
President, Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI)

THE SOMMELIERS ASSOCIATION OF INDIA

The beverage industry in India has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years, with an increasing demand for diverse and high-quality alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. As the palate of the Indian consumer becomes more refined, there is a growing need for skilled and knowledgeable professionals to guide and educate both consumers and industry stakeholders. Therefore, with a deep appreciation for the rich cultural diversity and rapidly evolving gastronomic scene in India, we believe that the education, exams and contests committee of SAI would play a pivotal role in addressing this need and elevating the standards of the beverage industry.

It has been my dream for many years to see India become part of the ASI family. With her passion, strong determination and commitment, Amrita Singh, the first president of SAI has finally made it a reality. And this must have been also an emotional moment for the two Italian sommeliers, Mattia Antonio Cianca and Salvatore Castano to witness the association taking shape, especially given their tremendous behind-the-scenes support and dedication from the very beginning. Being one of the world’s fastest-growing economies and one of the most promising and exciting markets for wine, India’s joining ASI will soon have a profound impact on the sommelier community.
The establishment of the Sommelier Association of India is a significant milestone in the development of India’s wine culture. It will not only raise the standard of service professionals, but also foster a vibrant community of wine connoisseurs and professionals. I am looking forward to a future where wine appreciation becomes an integral part of India’s rich and diverse culinary heritage.
India’s vibrant energy and dynamism will boost the economic benefits around wine, contribute to make the sommellerie shine and lead the future on a global scale. Bravo Amrita, and warm welcome to the Sommeliers Association of India!

Saiko Tamura-Soga
ASI Vice-President for Asia & Pacific

MEET THE FOUNDERS

The four Founders are dedicated professionals for whom the Sommeliers Association of India is a passion project rather than a commercial venture. They have committed their time, effort, and resources to establish this non-profit organisation for the benefit of sommeliers, as well as the beverage and hospitality industry in India.