Sommeliers Association of India advances wine expertise with international partnerships and competitions
The Sommeliers Association of India (SAI), which stands as the sole official ASI-affiliated body dedicated to advancing the sommelier profession and promoting excellence in wine and spirits education, marked significant milestones in early 2025. Headquartered in India, SAI's mission is centred around fostering knowledge, skill development, and encouraging international collaboration within the country’s wine and hospitality sectors.
On 23 January 2025, SAI hosted its inaugural “2025 SAI Best Sommelier of India Competition” at The LaLiT in Mumbai, a landmark event that drew professionals and experts from across the globe to celebrate and recognise top talent in India's burgeoning sommelier community. At the culmination of this competition, Jai Singh was awarded the coveted title of “2025 SAI Best Sommelier of India.” Pankaj Singh and Amber Deshmukh secured second and third places respectively, showcasing the depth of talent within the Indian wine and beverage sector.
SAI’s ongoing efforts are bolstered by a series of prestigious global partnerships, which provide exclusive benefits and opportunities to its members. Among its notable collaborators are Jancis Robinson MW OBE, a world-renowned wine critic and champion of sustainable winemaking, and Jane Anson, an expert on Bordeaux wines and acclaimed writer. Indian members also benefit from alliances with Sommelier India Wine Magazine, GuildSomm—the international education platform—, and the Académie du Vin Library, which offers discounted access to classic wine literature. Further support comes from prominent figures and organisations such as Ruma Singh (DipWSET, FWS), Winevox, Laurent Moujon, The LaLiT hotel group, ProWine Mumbai trade fair, Master of Wine Sonal Holland, RIEDEL glassware, and California Wine’s structured certification programmes.
These partnerships provide SAI members with access to world-class educational resources, networking opportunities, and career-enhancing experiences, reinforcing the association’s commitment to shaping the future of sommeliers in India.
Since its establishment, SAI has played a transformative role in the Indian wine education landscape by enabling Indian sommeliers to access prestigious international certifications on home soil. Notably, it facilitated the introduction of the ASI Certification 1 Exam and the ASI Diploma Exam in India, examinations previously accessible only through associations outside the country. This development has bridged a crucial gap by aligning Indian wine professionals with global standards and opening new international pathways for career advancement.
Reflecting this success, Indian sommeliers Abhishek Batabyal and Yash Karnwal passed the ASI Certification 1 Exam held in India, while Pankaj Singh achieved a historic milestone as the first Indian to clear the ASI Diploma Exam domestically, administered by SAI. Additionally, Jai Singh, the competition winner, cleared the Diploma Exam in Italy, underscoring the growing international competence of Indian sommeliers. Notably, Jai Singh and Pankaj Singh, the winner and runner-up of the 2025 Best Sommelier of India Competition, have both attained the highest levels of certification.
Amrita Singh, Co-Founder and President of SAI, articulated the organisation’s vision when speaking to Passionate In Marketing: “SAI was born out of a vision to create access, opportunity, and recognition for Indian sommeliers on a global stage. The partnerships we have built and the milestones we have already achieved—such as introducing international competitions and certifications in India—are just the beginning of what we hope will be a transformative journey for the Indian hospitality and wine & beverage community.”
Mattia Antonio Cianca, Co-Founder and Vice-President of SAI, also emphasised the significance of these developments, stating, “This is a turning point for the Indian sommelier landscape. We are not only nurturing homegrown talent but giving it a truly international platform. With the support of our global partners and the enthusiasm of our members, SAI is laying the foundation for a new generation of wine professionals who are ready to thrive anywhere in the world.”
The achievements of the Sommeliers Association of India in hosting prestigious events and establishing international examination standards within India signal an important evolution for the country’s hospitality and wine education sectors. Through expanding access and fostering global connections, SAI is establishing itself as a pivotal institution in shaping India's sommelier community.