SAI aims to elevate beverage industry standards

The Sommeliers Association of India (SAI) is set to revolutionise the country’s beverage industry by focusing on raising standards in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and also educate and offer  top Indian talent a platform to showcase their skills and qualify for regional and global competitions.

Co-founded by leading industry figures, Amrita Singh DipWSET, Mattia Antonio Cianca DipWSET, Salvatore Castano, and Vinod Abrol, the association aims to create a dynamic and inclusive culture that celebrates the diversity of domestic and international wines and spirits. SAI’s mission is to nurture talent, advance professional standards, and promote opportunities for growth through education and engagement.

A central component of SAI’s efforts will be its Education, Exams, and Contests Committee, which is tasked with organising educational programs and certifications designed to set new industry benchmarks. One of the key highlights will be the Best Sommelier of India Competition, offering top Indian talent a platform to showcase their skills and qualify for regional and global competitions such as the Best Sommelier of Asia & Pacific, and the Best Sommelier of the World. SAI also plans to open membership enrolment to a broad audience, offering tailored options for beverage enthusiasts and professionals alike. Individual memberships will offer access to educational resources, networking opportunities, and community events, while company memberships will be available for organisations committed to advancing the sommelier profession.

Speaking on the vision behind SAI, Co-Founder & President of SAI, Amrita Singh said, “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 line-up. Our endeavour has not only been to create the Sommeliers Association of India but also to get it affiliated with ASI at the very outset.”

Mattia Antonio Cianca, Co-Founder and Vice-President of SAI, emphasised the association’s focus on excellence through qualifications and competitions. Mattia Antonio said , “SAI is committed to promoting growth and excellence within the community by emphasising the importance of qualifications and competitions. These initiatives provide invaluable exposure and opportunities for members to refine their skills, expand their knowledge, and build meaningful connections.”

As India’s culinary scene continues to evolve, SAI aims to elevate the experience of pairing Indian cuisine with both local and international wines. SAI’s key focus will be to explore diverse pairings of Indian dishes with wines from around the world; enriching the culinary landscape and celebrating India’s unique flavours.

The association believes that by actively supporting India’s beverage and hospitality sectors, it can contribute to the industry’s continued growth and global recognition.