India Takes Its Place on the Global Sommelier Stage as Jai Singh Prepares for World Championship
Mumbai, 9 October 2026 — The Sommeliers Association of India (SAI) is creating new opportunities for Indian wine professionals through international education, professional training, mentorship, and competition. A significant milestone in this journey is Jai Singh’s upcoming participation in the ASI Contest Best Sommelier of the World 2026, scheduled to take place in Lisbon, Portugal, from 11 to 17 October 2026.
Founded in 2024, SAI has been working to strengthen Indian sommellerie and connect domestic talent with the global professional community. India achieved full membership of the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI) in May 2026, marking an important step towards greater international recognition for Indian sommeliers.
Building a Pathway for Indian Talent
SAI launched its membership programme in October 2024 and has since grown to over 200 members, including 130 sommeliers.
In January 2025, the Association organised the inaugural Best Sommelier of India competition at The LaLiT Mumbai. Jai Singh emerged as the winner, becoming the country’s first national champion under the initiative. He subsequently represented India at the ASI Contest Best Sommelier of Asia & Pacific 2025 in Malaysia.
His participation in the World Contest marks another milestone for Indian sommellerie, making him the first sommelier to represent India at this prestigious international competition.
SAI has also expanded access to professional development through ASI education programmes, certification courses, and international training opportunities. In July 2025, five Indian sommeliers participated in the ASI Education Bootcamp Asia & Pacific in Singapore, gaining exposure to international standards in tasting, service, and wine-list curation.
Education, Mentorship and International Exposure
Jai Singh’s preparation for the World Contest has included independent study, regular tasting, theory revision, and intensive service practice. He has also received guidance from Mattia Antonio Cianca, Co-Founder and Vice President of SAI, who represented Italy at the ASI Contest Best Sommelier of the World in 2023.
Amrita Singh, Co-Founder and President of SAI, described Jai’s participation as a defining moment for Indian sommellerie, highlighting the importance of creating access to international education, mentorship, and professional opportunities.
Cianca emphasised that the initiative extends beyond a single competition, with the broader objective of encouraging more Indian sommeliers to pursue international recognition.
Jai Singh said his participation was an opportunity to send a simple message to the global community: “Hello, we are here too.” He hopes his journey will inspire more Indian sommeliers to compete internationally and become active members of the global sommelier community.
A New Chapter for Indian Sommellerie
Through national competitions, education, certification, and mentorship, SAI aims to establish a sustainable pathway for Indian sommeliers to develop their skills and represent the country internationally.
Jai Singh’s participation in Lisbon represents a significant first step towards that ambition, with the potential to inspire a new generation of Indian hospitality professionals to pursue excellence in wine service and sommellerie.
About the Sommeliers Association of India (SAI)
Founded in 2024, the Sommeliers Association of India is a non-profit organisation dedicated to advancing the profession through education, professional development, competitions, mentorship, and international engagement. With more than 200 members, including 130 sommeliers, SAI works to strengthen India’s presence within the global sommelier community.
