India Crowns Its First-Ever SAI Best Sommelier of India 2025 at The LaLiT Mumbai
Jai Singh Triumphs in a Landmark Event Judged by Global Wine Icons
Key Highlights:
✅ India’s first-ever SAI Best Sommelier of India competition
✅ Jai Singh wins the prestigious title
✅ Top three winners to compete on the international stage
✅ Renowned global jury ensures world-class evaluation
✅ A historic moment for India’s wine and hospitality industry
India’s Wine Industry Reaches a New Milestone
Mumbai, 28th January 2025: The Indian wine industry reached a historic milestone as the Sommeliers Association of India (SAI) hosted the inaugural edition of the SAI Best Sommelier of India 2025 at The LaLiT Mumbai. The event marked India’s growing presence on the global wine stage, celebrating excellence in sommelier talent.
Out of a fiercely competitive lineup, Jai Singh emerged as India’s first-ever SAI Best Sommelier of India 2025. Pankaj Singh and Amber Deshmukh secured second and third places, respectively. As winners, they will now attend the ASI Education Boot Camp in Singapore, with Jai Singh set to represent India at the 2025 ASI Best Sommelier of Asia & Pacific in Malaysia and the 2026 ASI Best Sommelier of the World in Portugal.
SAI Leaders and Global Jury Celebrate India’s Talent
“This is a defining moment for Indian sommeliers,” said Amrita Singh, Co-Founder & President of SAI. “Our participants showcased world-class skills, and we’re thrilled to see them take India to the global stage. Having esteemed wine experts like Saiko Tamura-Soga (ASI Vice-President, Asia & Pacific) and Nina Basset FIH (Gérard Basset Foundation) on our jury ensured a competition of the highest international standards.”
Mattia Antonio Cianca, Co-Founder & Vice-President of SAI, echoed the sentiment: “The talent on display proves that India is ready to shine in the global wine industry. This competition is just the beginning.”
A Competition of Global Standards
This national qualifier saw participation from top sommeliers across India and Indian sommeliers working in Dubai, Maldives, Singapore, Italy, New Zealand, and international cruise lines. The jury featured some of the biggest names in the wine world, including:
🍷 Sonal Holland MW – India’s first and only Master of Wine
🍷 Henri Chapon MS – Master Sommelier
🍷 Salvatore Castano – Best Sommelier of Europe and Africa
🍷 Cyril Thevenet – Advanced Sommelier, Court of Master Sommeliers
Nina Basset FIH, who has closely followed Jai Singh’s career, expressed her pride: “Watching his journey from a Gérard Basset Foundation scholar to this moment is truly special.”



The LaLiT Mumbai and Industry Leaders Back the Event
Hosting the competition at The LaLiT Mumbai added to the grandeur, with Charles Donnadieu, Corporate Sommelier of The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group, praising the event’s success.
Leading brands in India’s wine and hospitality industry—Fratelli Vineyards, Grover Zampa, Vallonné, California Wines, Champagne Boërl & Kroff, and many more—played a key role in supporting this landmark event.
India’s Wine Scene Poised for Global Recognition
With the SAI Best Sommelier of India 2025 now concluded, India takes a major step towards international recognition in the wine and beverage industry. As Indian sommeliers prepare to compete on the world stage, the country’s hospitality and wine sector is set for a bright future.
About Sommeliers Association of India (SAI)
The Sommeliers Association of India (SAI) is the country’s leading platform dedicated to promoting wine education, professional development, and global opportunities for Indian sommeliers.
📍 Website: https://sommeliersassociationofindia.com/