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!
🏆 Michèle Chantôme receives the ASI Gérard Basset Lifetime Achievement Award 2026!
Known affectionately as the “godmother of sommeliers”, Michèle Chantôme was honoured in Lisbon this evening for a lifetime dedicated to supporting, connecting and inspiring the international sommelier community.
For decades, Chantôme has championed excellence in sommellerie through international competitions, professional education and certification, and her tireless work within the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale. Her contribution has helped create opportunities for sommeliers around the world, strengthening not only professional standards but also the sense of belonging to a global family.
The award, presented once every four years, honours the legacy of Gérard Basset OBE and recognises individuals whose careers embody exceptional dedication to sommellerie, wine and hospitality.
This year's celebration was co-hosted by ASI and CIM Douro, with the support of partners Laurent-Perrier, Stoelzle Lausitz and Perlage.
Congratulations, Michèle, on this richly deserved recognition and thank you for a lifetime of dedication to our profession. 🥂
@michelechantome
#ASISomms #GérardBassetLifetimeAchievementAward #Sommellerie #ASIBestSommelier2026 #RoadtoLisbon2026 #asibestsomm
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
ASI Partners
