India, January 14th 2025 – The Sommeliers Association of India (SAI) is thrilled to announce the first edition of the “2025 SAI Best Sommelier of India” competition. This prestigious event, designed to elevate the sommelier profession in India, will take place on the 23rd of January, 2025, at The LaLit Lawn, Mumbai.
The competition aims to provide an unparalleled platform for Indian sommeliers and wine professionals to demonstrate their technical expertise, creativity, and service acumen. The event will unfold in a dynamic format, comprising quarterfinals, semi-finals, and an exciting grand finale. Participants will be judged by an elite panel of esteemed wine professionals.
The top three winners will be awarded an all-expenses-paid trip to Singapore to attend the esteemed ASI Education Boot camp. Furthermore, the winner will have the honour of representing India for the very first time at the 2025 ASI Contest Best Sommelier of Asia & Pacific Competition in Malaysia and advancing to compete at the 2026 ASI Contest Best Sommelier of the World Competition in Portugal ensuring a significant boost to their careers and recognition within the global wine industry.
Amrita Singh, Co-Founder and President of the Sommeliers Association of India said, “The 2025 SAI Best Sommelier of India competition is a historic milestone for India’s wine community. By being associated with the prestigious Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI), this event provides an unparalleled platform for Indian sommeliers to gain global recognition. It is a celebration of talent, skill, and perseverance, offering participants the opportunity to shine on an international stage and represent India among the best in the world.”
Mattia Antonio Cianca, Co-Founder and Vice President of the Sommeliers Association of India shared, “This competition is more than a showcase of expertise; it’s a transformative journey that connects India to the global sommellerie community through ASI. By adhering to international standards and bringing together exceptional talent, we are opening doors to global opportunities. It is a proud moment to watch Indian sommeliers step into the international arena, equipped to compete with the very best.”
Join us in celebrating the brilliance of Indian sommeliers as they embark on this extraordinary journey of mastery, passion, and global recognition. The 2025 SAI Best Sommelier of India competition promises to set a new benchmark for excellence in the wine industry. Let’s raise a toast to this remarkable milestone!
About Sommeliers Association of India (SAI): https://sommeliersassociationofindia.com/
Founded in 2024, the Sommeliers Association of India (SAI) is a leading non-profit organisation and a proud member of the College of Applicants within the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI). Our mission is to foster a vibrant, inclusive community of wine and beverage professionals, dedicated to elevating the standards of service, education, and responsible consumption. SAI serves as a premier platform uniting sommeliers, wine, spirits, and hospitality experts with enthusiasts, creating a dynamic network for sharing knowledge and fostering collaboration. We are committed to advancing India’s reputation as a hub for wine appreciation, supporting a culture that celebrates the rich diversity of wines and promotes a deep passion for the beverage industry. In February 2024, SAI achieved a significant milestone by being unanimously voted into ASI’s College of Applicants during the ASI’s 55th anniversary celebrations. This recognition underscores our commitment to excellence and our role in shaping the future of sommelier standards globally. Our key initiatives include organising the prestigious SAI Best Sommelier of India Competition, which serves as a stepping stone for advancing to the ASI Contest Best Sommelier of Asia & Pacific Competition and the ASI Contest Best Sommelier of the World Competition. With a rich history of grape cultivation dating back to 7000 BC, India’s evolving wine industry reflects its ancient heritage. SAI is dedicated to guiding and inspiring this journey, supporting the growth and appreciation of India’s wine tradition. SAI upholds a Code of Ethics that advocates for responsible alcohol consumption and ethical practices within the beverage industry, promoting integrity and respect in all our endeavours.
