RAISING A GLASS TO SOMMELIERS

The Sommeliers Association of India makes its debut with an ambitious programme in step with the ideals of ASI - Association de la Sommellerie Internationale. Ruma Singh has the scoop

- Ruma Singh

It was February 2024, the location was Monaco. The occasion was the Annual General Assembly and the celebrations of the 55th anniversary of the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI) were in full swing. The three-day session saw multiple events take place, including a black-tie gala dinner abounding with exceptional food and wine. But of greatest importance to the organization was the admission of new applicant members into their fold.

Amrita Singh DipWSET was at Monaco by invitation of the ASI, representing the brand-new entity, Sommeliers Association of India (SAI), to present its vision and mission statement to the ASI Executive Board and presidents of 65 member countries. When the announcement came, it was greeted with resounding applause. SAI had been voted unanimously to be inducted into the ASI's College of Applicants and had been granted membership. It was a dream come true and the right time for India.

Bordeaux-based Amrita Singh and her business partner, Mattia Antonio Cianca DipWSET were no strangers to the Indian wine industry. They had been visiting India since 2022.

Over these visits, they realized that India was awakening to the potential of drinking wine as a beverage of choice. Wine drinkers were increasing in number and the quality of wine made by Indian producers was improving greatly with a new focus on premiumization. The demand for imported wines was growing apace along with an increasing interest in diverse and high-quality alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Amrita and Mattia had watched this up close while interacting with members of the industry.