International Sommelier Association rebrands under new leadership

By / Wine + Drinks / May 22nd, 2018 / 10
International Sommelier Association

The International Sommelier Association (ASI) has led many wine lovers from amateur to expert since 1969. The non-profit organization has over 30,000 members around the world. It is the world’s largest organizer of sommelier competitions, running continental and global contests each year. Under new leadership this year, the ASI rebrands to ensure that it reaches and helps the new generation of sommeliers for years to come.

Argentina’s Andres Rosberg is now president. He was one of the first professional sommeliers in the country. Wines of Argentina named him “Wine Personality of the Year” and La Nación mentioned him on their “50 Most Inspiring People” list in 2017. Rosberg co-founded both the Argentine Association of Sommeliers (in 2001) and Pan American Sommelier Alliance (in 2007), proving he is dedicated to the growth of Argentina’s sommelier industry.

“The responsibilities of a modern sommelier are today seen as going far beyond merely serving wines,” says Rosberg. “In the next two years, we at ASI not only aim to elevate the position of sommelier within the industry, but also to increase global awareness of how special and important this field is to consumers.”

Rosberg will launch his new vision for the organization at The Best Sommelier of Americas competition, held in Montreal May 22 to 25. His vision helps foster a new generation of professionals with new branding, a new website and a stronger communications policy. ASI will develop tools so young sommeliers and sommellerie students become better professionals.

The ASI is committed to this new direction. Their annual meetings, which were for members only, will now be open to all local sommeliers. They can enjoy new activities, workshops and tastings to expand their wine knowledge.

The changes are already in effect. On May 9, they revealed the new ASI logo and sent out their first monthly newsletter, called #ASInews. The website will also include online streaming of finals from all competitions. In addition, ASI’s youtube channel includes a MSM Tutorial starring the great Gerard Basset (video below). The ASI will update this tutorial every three years in conjunction with The Best Sommelier of the World Competitions.

International Sommelier Association events for 2018 – 2019
  • Best Sommelier of the Americas in Montreal, May 22 – 24, 2018
  • Wines of Nova Scotia Tour, May 25 – 28, 2018
  • Annual General Assembly in Georgia, June 19 – 25, 2018
  • Best Sommelier of Asia & Oceania in Kyoto, Japan, October 14 – 17, 2018
  • Best Sommelier of the World in Antwerp, Belgium, March 2019
  • ASI’s annual meeting and 50th anniversary party in Champagne, June 2019
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