The Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI) successfully concluded its annual General Assembly, held in late May in Cape Town, South Africa. The gathering marked a significant moment of unity, growth and innovation in the global sommelier community, symbolised by the addition of three new active member countries – Peru, Colombia and Moldova – reinforcing ASI’s commitment to inclusivity and global representation. In addition, Kenya was proudly accepted into the College of Applicants, signalling the organisation’s growing influence and expansion to new regions where sommellerie is still in its infancy. The inclusion of Kenya begins to fill the gap on that continent, as currently Africa is only represented in ASI by Morocco, Mauritius, South Africa and Zimbabwe, countries at the opposite corners of the continent.
In terms of education and professional development, updates were given on the next two major events in the ASI 2025 calendar. Namely, ASI Bootcamp, taking place this month in Singapore. In September, Kuala Lumpur will host the ASI Best Sommelier of Asia and Pacific. The awarding of this prestigious contest to Malaysia, recognizes the continued expansion of sommellerie throughout Asia.
The Assembly also saw the unveiling of updates to the ASI Sommelier Guidelines, which now include comprehensive sheets dedicated to saké and beer – a significant step in recognising the evolving beverage knowledge required of today’s sommeliers.
The South African Sommeliers Association (SASA) earned praise from all attendees for hosting a flawlessly executed event. “The organisation by SASA, led by their president Spencer Fondaumiere was exceptional,” said ASI President William Wouters. “From logistics to hospitality, everything reflected the professionalism and warm spirit of South Africa’s sommelier community.”
The wine programme curated by the SASA team was equally applauded, which included visits to the likes of Constantia Glen, one of the jewels of the Constantia Valley located in the suburbs of Cape Town, along with post-assembly visits to L’Avenir, Spier, and Kaapzicht. New Zealand Sommeliers and Wine Professionals’ President Celia Hay remarked, “The wine programme absolutely showcased the dynamic world of South African wine, and I came away feeling very impressed.” The curated tastings and vineyard visits gave international delegates an opportunity to experience the diversity, innovation and heritage of South Africa’s wine landscape.
The 2025 ASI General Assembly was made possible through the generous support of partners including Perlage, Japan Shochu and Sake Makers Association, Vinhos Verdes, Stoelzle Lausitz, Graham's Port, Symington Family Estates, Wine of Moldova, Vinexposium, Wines of Portugal, SommelierSInternational, LigneW & Chateau Laguiole, Stellenbosch Wine Routes, AdVini, Tops at Spar, Winterhalter, SA Brandy Foundation, Wesgro, Soth Africa Wine, California Wines, Chardonnay Association of SA, Cap Classique Association, Pinotage Association, Chenin Blanc Association, Old Vine Project, Winterhalter SA, Riedel glassware, and numerous wine estates and hospitality leaders dedicated to elevating African wine service.
With the expansion of its global network, the enrichment of its educational tools, and continued excellence in event programming, ASI continues to set the standard for international sommellerie.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to support the association’s continuing initiative to create educational programmes that support sommellerie around the globe.