The Sommeliers Association of India (SAI) has completed its first year with over 200 members, international affiliations, and a national roadmap to elevate wine education and service standards across India. Launched in October 2024, the association has introduced global certification programmes, hosted national competitions, and positioned India on the international sommelier stage.
SAI made its global debut in February 2024 at the ASI 55th Anniversary and General Assembly in Monaco, where it was unanimously admitted as a Member of the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale’s College of Applicants. This marks the first time India has been represented within a recognised global sommelier body.
“Our mission is to build rigorous education pathways and global exposure for Indian sommeliers,” said Amrita Singh, Co-Founder & President, SAI. “The first year proved that India can raise standards and compete on the world stage.”
Key Milestones
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Jai Singh won the inaugural SAI Best Sommelier of India and represented the country at the 2025 ASI Asia & Pacific Championship in Kuala Lumpur. He will be India’s official entry at the 2026 ASI World Championship in Lisbon.
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India hosted its first ASI Diploma and Certification Level 1, with five sommeliers attending the ASI Bootcamp in Singapore.
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Strategic partnerships forged with JancisRobinson.com, JaneAnson.com, GuildSomm, California Wines, Sonal Holland Wine Academy and others.
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New initiatives include Sommelier of the Month, the upcoming SAI Job Board and Travel Board.
SAI’s leadership—Amrita Singh, Mattia Antonio Cianca, Salvatore Castano and Vinod Abrol—plans to introduce ASI Level 2 and Diploma 2026 in India along with mentorship and scholarship programmes.
“This is just the beginning,” said Mattia Antonio Cianca, Vice President, SAI. “We’re shaping a generation that will represent India in global wine discourse.”
