BEST SOMMELIER OF EUROPE & AFRICA
AN OLYMPIC CONTEST

There are 41 member countries within ASI from Europe and Africa. Each has the right to send one candidate to the contest of the ASI Best Sommelier of Europe & Africa. To earn the right to represent their country, competitors have often won regional titles in addition to their national title, although countries have the right to use their own methodologies for the purpose of selecting their candidate for an ASI contest.

ASI’s continental and world contests represent a lifetime of learning and preparation for our candidates. The time spent studying and practicing is not unlike that of an Olympic athlete. Contestants must be proficient not only in the service of all beverages (wine, beer, spirits, water, coffee, tea and more) but they must also have an encyclopedia-like knowledge on all aspects of production methods, regulations and laws, climate, geography and cultural aspects related to these beverages.

ASI contests are rigorous tests of a sommelier’s skill and knowledge. Contests are typically comprised of three rounds, each more challenging than the last. Sommeliers will be tested on their theoretical knowledge via a written test, their service skills and ability to identify wines and other beverages in a blind tasting format. The finals may comprise of several tasks including various aspects of service, blind tasting of a variety of beverages and skill testing tasks all performed in front of a live audience.

The winner of a continental contest such as the ASI Best Sommelier of Europe & Africa will automatically have the opportunity to compete in the next ASI Best Sommelier of the World contest. They are also inducted into ASI’s Club des Sommeliers, a lifetime achievement, reserved only for sommeliers that have either passed the ASI Diploma examination or won an ASI continental or world contest.