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The Sommeliers Association of India (SAI) has announced the launch of ‘2025 SAI Best Sommelier of India’ competition, set to take place on January 23, 2025 at The Lalit Lawn, Mumbai. Offering a prestigious platform for wine professionals to showcase their technical expertise, creativity, and service excellence, the event aims to elevate the sommelier profession in India.
Expressing excitement on the launch, Amrita Singh, Co-Founder and President of SAI, stated, “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, this event provides an unparalleled platform for Indian sommeliers to gain global recognition. It is a celebration of talent, skill, and perseverance, offering participants an opportunity to shine on an international stage and represent India among the best in the world.”
The competition will unfold in an exciting multi-stage format, featuring quarterfinals, semi-finals, and a grand finale, judged by an elite panel of esteemed wine professionals. The top three winners will receive an all-expenses paid trip to Singapore to attend the prestigious ASI Education Boot Camp. The winner will represent India for the first time at the 2025 ASI Contest Best Sommelier of Asia & Pacific Competition in Malaysia and subsequently compete at the 2026 ASI Contest Best Sommelier of the World Competition in Portugal.
Mattia Antonio Cianca, Co-Founder and Vice President of SAI, highlighted the competition’s transformative impact. “This competition is more than a showcase of expertise; it’s a transformative journey that connects India to the global sommelier community through ASI. By adhering to international standards and bringing together exceptional talent, we are opening the 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.”