India witnessed a historic milestone in Mumbai recently with the Sommeliers Association of India (SAI) successfully hosting the grand finale of the inaugural edition of the 2025 SAI Best Sommelier of India competition.
Jai Singh, who presently works in an Italian restaurant, emerged victorious. He is a WSET diploma student, Certified Sommelier (Court of Master Sommelier) and Italian Wine Scholar (Wine Scholar Guild).
Jai Singh will further make history by representing India for the first time ever at the 2025 ASI Contest Best Sommelier of Asia-Pacific in Malaysia and the 2026 ASI Contest Best Sommelier of the World in Portugal.
Pankaj Singh and Amber Deshmukh secured second and third places. The three winners will now embark on an exciting journey, attending the prestigious ASI (Association de la Sommellerie Internationale) Education Boot Camp in Singapore this July.
Serving as the national qualifier for top international platforms, the competition drew talented sommeliers from across India and Indian sommeliers working in Dubai, the Maldives, Singapore, Italy, New Zealand and on international cruise ships.
The first of its kind in the country, with a prestigious jury panel of global wine icons, the event marked a significant step forward in India’s growing recognition on the global wine map.
Amrita Singh, Co-founder and President of the SAI said: “The successful execution of this inaugural event marks a defining moment for the Indian sommelier community. All participants should be proud of their outstanding performances, and we are excited to see how they will continue to contribute to the growth of India’s hospitality culture.”
Mattia Antonio Cianca, Co-founder and Vice-President of SAI said, “This marks a great beginning for Indian sommellerie. The level of skill and passion displayed during the competition gives us confidence that Indian sommeliers are ready to shine on the world stage.”
The event was supported by leading brands, including Good Drop Wine, Angel’s Share, Rad Elan Distributors, Good Times and Co, Gérard Basset Foundation, Champagne Boërl & Kroff, Jancis Robinson.com, Sonal Holland Wine Academy, Indulge India, Fratelli Vineyards, Grover Zampa, Vallonné Vineyards, California Wines, Académie du Vin Library, ProWine and Bordeaux World Heritage.
Founded in 2024, SAI is a leading non-profit organisation and member of the College of Applicants within the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI). For more information, visit https://sommeliersassociationofindia.com/
