Welcome to
Association de la Sommellerie Internationale
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)
Agenda
Members
ASI Mag
All the issues of ASI’s own digital magazine
Agenda EN
2026
- ASI Diploma Exam, 9th March 2026.
- ASI General Assembly, 18 – 22 May 2026, Taipei, Taiwan
- ASI Contest Best Sommelier of the World, 11 – 17 October 2026. Lisbon, Portugal
- ASI Bootcamp Americas, 21-24 July 2026, Sao Paulo, Brazil
To come 2027 TBC
News & Events
Check out the latest ASI news, as well as updates in the world of sommellerie!
🏆 66 sommeliers. One title. One month to go.
The Road to Lisbon is entering its final stretch. 🇵🇹
Meet the 66 contenders who will compete for the title of ASI Best Sommelier of the World 2026 at the 18th ASI Contest Best Sommelier of the World.
Representing ASI member associations from around the globe, they will come together in Lisbon this October for a week of competition, knowledge, tasting, service and camaraderie — all leading to one unforgettable final.
And this edition will mark several historic firsts. 🌎
For the first time ever, Moldova 🇲🇩, Kenya 🇰🇪, India 🇮🇳 and Lebanon 🇱🇧 will be represented at the ASI Contest Best Sommelier of the World.
Portugal will host the competition for the second time, almost half a century after Lisbon welcomed the world’s best sommeliers in 1978.
Who will follow in the footsteps of the champions who came before them and be crowned ASI Best Sommelier of the World 2026? 🏆
📍 Lisbon, Portugal
📅 11–17 October 2026
🏆 Grand Final: 16 October, 2 PM BST / 3 PM CET
📺 Watch the Grand Final live on YouTube www.youtube.com/live/jQsKLAOW8B4?si=bcANBTuUhgwK-89H OR watch it in person at the Coliseu in Lisbon coliseulisboa.com/eventos/asi-contest-best-sommelier-of-the-world-2026/ (links in bio under linktree)
Swipe through to meet the contenders, and discover the full list of candidates on the official contest page.
One month. One title. The final stretch starts now.
@escancoesdeportugal
#ASISomms #ASIBestSomm #RoadtoLisbon2026 #ASIBestSommelier2026 #ASIBSW2026 #Portugal #Sommelier #Wine #SommelierContest #SommelierCompetition #SommLife
Road to Lisbon: meet your heroes 🤩🔥
Presenting the candidates who will contend for the title this October in Lisbon 🇵🇹
Rafael Alexander Sánchez 🍷 @alexcurruco
Representing: Dominican Republic 🇩🇴 @sommelierrd
Wine distribution and sales 📍Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic @Loscatadores
Identifies with: Pinot Noir 🍇 because it can grow in different styles. 👏
Inspired by: Training the new generation of sommeliers 😉
See you in October 😉
@escancoesdeportugal
#asisomms #asibestsomm #roadtolisbon2026 #ASIBestSommelier2026 #asibsw2026 #portugal #sommelier #wine #sommeliercontest #sommeliercompetition #sommlife
Pairing Tuesday 🍴🍷
Uruguay 🇺🇾🍇
🥩 ASADO & TANNAT RESERVA Grass-fed beef grilled over charcoal with this elegant, peppery Tannat is transcendent. The wine's refined tannins—not rustic, not jammy—respect the meat's quality, peppery spice mirrors the char, and Atlantic-moderated acidity prevents heaviness. Uruguayan perfection.
🥙 CHIVITO & MERLOT This iconic steak sandwich (lomo, bacon, mozzarella, tomato) demands Canelones Merlot's soft structure and red fruit. The wine's body handles the richness without overpower, subtle tannins respect the beef's quality, and moderate alcohol keeps palate fresh. National dish, national wine—harmony.
🦑 CALAMARES A LA PLANCHA & SAUVIGNON BLANC Pan-seared squid with garlic and lemon meets Atlantic Sauvignon Blanc's herbaceous minerality. The wine's crisp acidity cuts through the squid's slight chewiness, citrus notes echo the lemon, and salinity mirrors the ocean ingredient. Coastal perfection.
🐟 FRESH SEA BASS & CHARDONNAY Whole grilled fish with olive oil and sea salt paired with unoaked Uruguayan Chardonnay creates elegance. The wine's subtle stone fruit complements delicate flesh, mineral backbone adds complexity, and restrained oak won't overpower. Simple food, sophisticated wine.
🧀 MILANESA DE CARNE & PINOT NOIR Breaded, pan-fried thin-cut beef with fresh tomato salad and Pinot Noir shows subtle synergy. Light tannins respect the delicate preparation, red fruit brightens the acidity, and elegant structure honors the ingredient quality. Uruguayan home cooking elevated.
🥒 MEDIA LUNA & ROSÉ Croissant with breakfast or afternoon tea paired with chilled Uruguayan Rosé. The wine's subtle fruit and acidity complement butter and jam, lower alcohol suits daytime drinking, and Atlantic freshness refreshes. Cultural moment perfected.
🧉 MATE remains the soul beverage - but wine's sophistication is rising!
Pampas to plate, Atlantic to glass.
#ASISomms #ASIPairingTuesday #UruguayanWine #Tannat #Asado #FoodAndWinePairing #Canelones #Merlot #AtlanticCuisine #SommLife #TerroirToTable #SouthAmericanWine
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