India, 24th April 2025 — The Sommeliers Association of India (SAI), is the only official ASI-affiliated body in India that is dedicated to elevating the profession of sommeliers and promoting excellence in wine and spirits education. With a mission to foster knowledge, skill development, and international collaboration, SAI serves as the leading platform for industry professionals, enthusiasts, and global partners.
Most recently, SAI successfully hosted its first-ever 2025 SAI Best Sommelier of India Competition on January 23 at The LaLiT Mumbai. The competition culminated with Jai Singh being crowned the “2025 SAI Best Sommelier of India,” while Pankaj Singh and Amber Deshmukh secured second and third places, respectively. This landmark event celebrated the country’s top talent in wine, beverage and hospitality, bringing together professionals and experts from around the world to support and recognize India’s growing sommelier community.
Strengthening the Industry Through Esteemed Partnerships
SAI’s commitment to elevating India’s wine and spirits landscape is made possible through collaborations with distinguished global partners, each offering exclusive benefits to SAI members:
- Jancis Robinson MW OBE – Access to insights from one of the world’s most influential wine critics and advocates of sustainable winemaking.
- Jane Anson– Bordeaux expert and acclaimed wine writer offering valuable educational insights.
- Sommelier India Wine Magazine – India’s first and leading wine magazine, offering rich editorial content and industry insights.
- GuildSomm – Premier international wine and spirits education platform with extensive learning materials.
- Académie du Vin Library – Exclusive discounts on timeless wine literature from one of the world’s most respected publishers.
- Between The Wines by Ruma Singh DipWSET, FWS – Exclusive educational guidance from a leading Indian wine journalist and educator.
- Winevox- Specialist in wine communication and training, providing SAI members with industry-relevant content.
- Laurent Moujon – Expert-authored resources on food and wine pairing for SAI members.
- The LaLiT- Supporting India’s sommelier community by providing a prestigious venue for SAI’s landmark events.
- ProWine Mumbai – India’s foremost trade fair connecting professionals with global wine, spirits, and beverage trends.
- Sonal Holland MW – India’s first and only Master of Wine, offering mentorship and industry insights.
- RIEDEL – The Wine Glass Company – Global leader in glassware innovation, enhancing the wine tasting experience for SAI members.
- California Wine – Structured learning on California’s wine regions through multi-tiered certification programs.
These partnerships provide members with access to world-class education, networking opportunities, and career-enhancing experiences, reinforcing SAI’s mission to shape the future of sommeliers in India.
Since its inception, the Sommeliers Association of India (SAI) has transformed the landscape of wine education in the country by making prestigious international certifications accessible to Indian professionals. For the first time, Indian sommeliers were able to participate in the ASI Certification 1 Exam and the ASI Diploma Exam—both previously available only to those affiliated with national associations abroad.
By bridging the gap between Indian talent and global standards, SAI is paving the way for international-level wine education and recognition to take root in the country’s dynamic hospitality industry.
The results speak volumes—Abhishek Batabyal and Yash Karnwal successfully cleared the ASI Certification 1 Exam held in India, while Pankaj Singh made history by passing the prestigious ASI Diploma Exam conducted for the first time in India by Sommeliers Association of India. Jai Singh, another proud SAI member, also cleared the Diploma Exam, appearing for it in Italy. Jai Singh and Pankaj Singh are coincidentally the winner and first runner up of the 2025 SAI Best Sommelier of India Competition, respectively. These achievements reflect the growing competence of Indian sommeliers and the critical role SAI plays in opening up 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.”
About Sommeliers Association of India (SAI)
Founded in 2024, the Sommeliers Association of India (SAI) is a leading non-profit organisation and a proud member of the College of Applicants within the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI). Our mission is to foster a vibrant, inclusive community of wine and beverage professionals, dedicated to elevating the standards of service, education, and responsible consumption. SAI serves as a premier platform uniting sommeliers, wine, spirits, and hospitality experts with enthusiasts, creating a dynamic network for sharing knowledge and fostering collaboration. We are committed to advancing India’s reputation as a hub for wine appreciation, supporting a culture that celebrates the rich diversity of wines and promotes a deep passion for the beverage industry. In February 2024, SAI achieved a significant milestone by being unanimously voted into ASI’s College of Applicants during the ASI’s 55th anniversary celebrations. This recognition underscores our commitment to excellence and our role in shaping the future of sommelier standards globally. Our key initiatives include organising the prestigious SAI Best Sommelier of India Competition, which serves as a stepping stone for advancing to the ASI Contest Best Sommelier of Asia & Pacific Competition and the ASI Contest Best Sommelier of the World Competition. With a rich history of grape cultivation dating back to 7000 BC, India’s evolving wine industry reflects its ancient heritage. SAI is dedicated to guiding and inspiring this journey, supporting the growth and appreciation of India’s wine tradition. SAI upholds a Code of Ethics that advocates for responsible alcohol consumption and ethical practices within the beverage industry, promoting integrity and respect in all our endeavours.
