SAI is the only official provider and facilitator of the ASI (The Association de la Sommellerie Internationale) certification in India. There will be a special Masterclass/Special Lecture conducted by the Italian Vice President and Co-Founder of SAI- Mattia Antonio Cianca who was the ‘Best Sommelier of Australia 2017’ and ‘Best Sommelier of Italy 2019’.

This special Lecture will be held in Delhi on 17 March, a day before the exam. It is being offered free of charge for the registered members. It will cover key topics included in the examination, and will offer valuable insights and guidance to enhance their preparation and is highly recommended for all candidates, though not compulsory.

Membership is open to wine professionals (the membership fees for sommeliers or budding sommeliers is Rs. 5,500 and wine enthusiasts who pay Rs. 7,500 (For details, please check their website. This is the first-ever certified course being offered by SAI and will be soon offered at various other cities as well . This will be followed by ASI Level 2 and eventually a Diploma by April, 2026.

Also Read : SAI: Jai Singh Aces as the Best Sommelier of India at The LaLit Mumbai

The ASI has been providing high-quality exams to sommeliers since 2012, including the ASI Diploma, which assesses and certifies the multiple competencies and skills needed by any international sommelier. Many ASI member countries (India is a member) require a structured education system for becoming Sommeliers; Indian industry does not require it as a necessary qualification but increasingly they are looking for some structured qualifications. ASI Diploma is already offered at advanced level but ASI will also offer two additional levels of certification through SAI for the aspiring sommeliers and enthusiasts – Level 1 and 2.

The ASI Certification 1 is a written exam designed for beginners. It consists of multiple-choice questions covering a wide range of topics such as global wine knowledge, service, tasting vocabulary and methodology, professional sommelier skills, maps, and more. SAI will also offer an exclusive study guide to help candidates navigate the ASI Certifications, starting with Level 1 Certification.

Also Read : SAI organises Best Sommelier of India 2025 Competition for World Stage

Rules and Regulations by ASI Board

· ASI exams are reserved for members of the Sommeliers Association of India (SAI).

· The exam is open to all sommeliers or aspiring sommeliers studying or working in the wine and food industry (restaurants, wine bars, wine merchants, importers, distributors etc).

· Candidates must become members of SAI before the exam date to be eligible.

· Tutorial videos are available on the website for reference.

· Registration for the examination closes on February 28, 2025.

· This is an international certification by ASI (The Association de la Sommellerie Internationale).

Also Read : SAI: Newly formed Sommeliers Association of India thinks Global

For membership or other information, contact the Secretary of SAI,  Roxanne D’Souza at +91 8652299299.or check their website www.sommeliersassociationofindia.com

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Subhash Arora