Welcome to
Association de la Sommellerie Internationale
The Association de la Sommellerie Internationale is the world’s preeminent global advocate for the needs of the modern sommelier.
Since 1969
About ASI //
“ASI was a little bit like the European Union in the beginning, today it is more like the United Nations.”-Markus Del Monego (ASI Best Sommelier of the World 1998)
Agenda
Members
ASI Mag
All the issues of ASI’s own digital magazine
Agenda EN
2026
- ASI Diploma Exam, 9th March 2026.
- ASI General Assembly, 18 – 22 May 2026, Taipei, Taiwan
- ASI Contest Best Sommelier of the World, 11 – 17 October 2026. Lisbon, Portugal
- ASI Bootcamp Americas, 21-24 July 2026, Sao Paulo, Brazil
To come 2027 TBC
News & Events
Check out the latest ASI news, as well as updates in the world of sommellerie!
During the week of the ASI Contest Best Sommelier of the World 2026 in Lisbon, the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI) is delighted to co-host, together with CIM Douro, the ASI Gérard Basset Lifetime Achievement Award Gala Dinner, on Tuesday, 13 October.
As headline sponsor and co-host of this prestigious evening, CIM Douro will bring to Lisbon the identity, heritage and excellence of one of the world’s oldest demarcated wine regions.
Presented only once every four years, the ASI Gérard Basset Lifetime Achievement Award recognises an individual whose career has demonstrated exceptional commitment and passion for sommellerie, wine and hospitality. It honours the memory of Gérard Basset OBE, whose dedication to the profession and generosity towards fellow sommeliers continue to inspire the international wine community.
ASI and CIM Douro are also delighted to welcome Laurent-Perrier, Stoelzle Lausitz, Irmãos Peixoto and Perlage as partners of an evening celebrating excellence, heritage and the people who shape the world of wine. 🤩
@cimdouro
#ASISomms #ASIBestSomm #ASIGérardBassetLifetimeAchievementAward #ASIBestSommelier2026 #ASIBSW2026 #CIMDouro #Sommelier #Wine #SommelierContest #SommelierCompetition
66 sommeliers. One world title. The competition begins. 🏆
After months of preparation, the 18th ASI Contest Best Sommelier of the World is officially underway.
Representing ASI member associations from around the globe, the contenders have come to Lisbon to put their knowledge, tasting skills, service and composure to the test.
Today, the journey begins.
One competition. One title. 66 stories.
Let the contest commence. 🇵🇹
#asisomms #asibestsomm #roadtolisbon2026 #ASIBestSommelier2026 #asibsw2026 #Portugal #sommelier #wine #sommeliercontest #sommeliercompetition #sommlife
🎧 A Sommelier's Insight podcast: Legacy of a Sommelier with Giuseppe Vaccarini 🍷
In 1978, Giuseppe Vaccarini was crowned ASI Best Sommelier of the World in Lisbon.🤩
This month, the contest returns to the Portuguese capital for the first time since his victory. On the eve of the ASI Contest Best Sommelier of the World 2026, join host Mark DeWolf for a special episode of A Sommelier’s Insight.🔥
In this episode, Giuseppe reflects on the experiences that prepared him for 1978, the moment that changed his career, and the journey that followed. As a new generation prepares to compete, we look back at one champion’s story, and the legacy built beyond the title.👏
Discover more in this episode of A Sommelier's Insight podcast: Legacy of a Sommelier with Guiseppe Vaccarini. @giuseppe.vaccarini_
📺 Do not forget that you can now also watch the episodes on our YouTube channel!
▶️ YouTube: youtu.be/iE59rl6za30
🎧 Listen on podcast platforms: www.spreaker.com/episode/road-to-lisbon-legacy-of-a-sommelier-with-giuseppe-vaccarini--75547785
🔗 Links in bio to previous episodes! 😉
You can also read our interview with Giuseppe in text version on ASI Magazine:
magazine.asi.info/?p=4469
#ASISomms #ASIBestSomm #ASommeliersInsight #RoadtoLisbon #Sommelier #SommelierLife #HospitalityProfessionals #WineEducation
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