The Association de la Sommellerie Internationale is the world’s preeminent global advocate for the needs of the modern sommelier.
Since 1969
About ASI //
“ASI was a little bit like the European Union in the beginning, today it is more like the United Nations.”-Markus Del Monego (ASI Best Sommelier of the World 1998)
In just a few days, 66 contenders will meet in Lisbon. They came from around the world. They trained for this moment. They are ready to compete. Now there is only one thing left to say: See you in Lisbon. 🇵🇹
Who will be crowned the next ASI Best Sommelier of the World?
ASI is proud to present our newest Silver Partner - K’AVSHIRI 🤝🇬🇪
And our guests at the ASI Contest Best Sommelier of the World will have the privilege to taste the wines (and some special new bottles😉) during the week of the competition! 🤩
Robert Joseph’s relationship with the ASI Contest Best Sommelier of the World has deep roots. He was on stage for the finals in Antwerp and Paris. As co-creator of K’AVSHIRI he says he is “super-excited” to be in Lisbon - as an ASI Silver Partner.👏
A former award-winning wine critic-turned wine producer, Joseph explains the philosophy behind K’AVSHIRI. 🍷“When Vladimer Kublashvili and I began to blend regions, rare grape varieties like Aladasturi and Krakhuna, ancient and modern techniques, and multiple vintages – we didn’t want to give people another example of a region or a grape variety they already know, but a new experience that, like a great dish, will earn a place in their memories.”🍇
Innovative artists need galleries, and wines like these will never sell themselves so, Joseph says, “becoming an ASI partner was almost inevitable. If sommeliers don’t understand what we are trying to do, nobody will.🤔
“The people who will drink and appreciate K’AVSHIRI are not traditionalists or followers of fashion; they want to take the road less travelled. There aren’t many of those, but we don’t make much K’AVSHIRI – just 2,500 bottles each of red and white, and even less rosé and Pet Nat..”🥂
Joseph has also chosen the ASI Contest to quietly launch two sparkling teas called SHA’ORI, after one of Georgia’s most beautiful lakes. “I’m quite nervous." he admits “The somms in Lisbon and the media attending the event will be the first people in the world to taste these teas that we’ve been working on for over a year. It’s like a chef bringing out a new dish.”🔥
Why make a sparkling tea? “For all those people I see in restaurants with their glasses of water. I want to put a smile on their faces – and on the faces of the sommeliers who can serve them something that’s up to the quality of the food on the plate."👌