SAI Redefines Wine Education in India with Global Partnerships and Landmark Competitions

The Sommeliers Association of India (SAI) is the exclusive ASI-affiliated organization in India, dedicated to advancing the sommelier profession and driving excellence in wine and spirits education. With a clear mission to promote knowledge, skill development, and foster international collaborations, SAI provides the leading platform for professionals, enthusiasts, and global partners in the industry.

In January 2025, SAI hosted the inaugural 2025 SAI Best Sommelier of India Competition at The LaLiT Mumbai on January 23. Jai Singh emerged as the champion, earning the title of “2025 SAI Best Sommelier of India,” while Pankaj Singh and Amber Deshmukh claimed second and third place, respectively. This milestone event celebrated India’s premier talents in wine, beverages, and hospitality, uniting global experts to support and recognize the flourishing sommelier community in India.

Strengthening the Industry through Prestigious Global Partnerships

SAI’s dedication to advancing India’s wine and spirits sector is further enhanced by its prestigious global partnerships, offering SAI members access to exclusive benefits:

• Jancis Robinson MW OBE – Gain insights from one of the world’s most influential wine critics and advocates for sustainable winemaking.
• Jane Anson – Renowned Bordeaux expert providing valuable educational resources.
• Sommelier India Wine Magazine – India’s leading wine publication delivering rich editorial content and industry knowledge.
• GuildSomm – Premier international education platform for wine and spirits, offering comprehensive learning resources.
• Académie du Vin Library – Enjoy exclusive discounts on celebrated wine literature from one of the world’s top publishers.
• Between The Wines by Ruma Singh DipWSET, FWS – Exclusive educational insights from a prominent Indian wine journalist and educator.
• Winevox – Specialized resources on wine communication and training for SAI members.
• Laurent Moujon – Expert resources focused on food and wine pairing.
• The LaLiT – A prestigious venue partner hosting major SAI events, supporting the sommelier community in India.
• ProWine Mumbai – Leading trade fair in India connecting professionals with global wine, spirits, and beverage trends.
• Sonal Holland MW – India’s first and only Master of Wine, offering mentorship and valuable industry insights.
• RIEDEL – The Wine Glass Company – Global leader in glassware innovation, enhancing wine-tasting experiences for SAI members.
• California Wine – Structured learning on California’s wine regions through certification programs.

These partnerships provide SAI members with unparalleled educational opportunities, networking avenues, and career-boosting experiences, all of which contribute to SAI’s mission of shaping the future of sommeliers in India.

Paving the Way for Global Standards in India’s Wine Industry

Since its establishment, SAI has revolutionized wine education in India, making globally recognized certifications accessible to Indian professionals. Indian sommeliers can now take the ASI Certification 1 and ASI Diploma Exams, exams that were once exclusive to those affiliated with foreign national associations.

By connecting Indian talent with international standards, SAI is enabling the growth of internationally accredited wine education within India’s dynamic hospitality industry.

These efforts have led to remarkable outcomes: Abhishek Batabyal and Yash Karnwal successfully passed the ASI Certification 1 Exam in India, while Pankaj Singh made history as the first to pass the ASI Diploma Exam held in India. Jai Singh, who passed the Diploma Exam in Italy, is also a proud SAI member and the winner of the 2025 SAI Best Sommelier of India Competition. These achievements highlight the rising expertise of Indian sommeliers and underscore the crucial role SAI plays in unlocking global opportunities for them.

“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.” said Amrita Singh, Co-Founder & President of SAI.

Mattia Antonio Cianca, Co-Founder & Vice-President of SAI, added, “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.”

Source: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/sai-redefines-wine-education-in-india-with-global-partnerships-and-landmark-competitions/