Celebrating International Sommelier Day:
In the world of fine dining and oenophiles, there is a day that stirs the hearts of sommeliers and wine enthusiasts alike. On June 3rd, International Sommelier Day, the globe raises its glasses in unison to celebrate the artistry and expertise of sommeliers—the unsung heroes who elevate every meal into an extraordinary culinary experience.
.
1. Celebrating International Sommelier Day
On June 3rd, wine enthusiasts and gastronomes around the world come together to raise a glass in celebration of International Sommelier Day. The ASI, over the decades, has played a pivotal role in transforming sommeliers from mere wine waiters to esteemed specialists at the heart of the restaurant industry’s mission – crafting extraordinary dining experience.
People across the globe will come together in a harmonious toast, a collective nod of appreciation to the sommeliers who transform ordinary meals into unforgettable culinary experiences. The significance of this date traces back to a pivotal moment in the world of gastronomy when, in 1969, the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI) was established in the charming city of Reims, France. From that day forward, June 3 has been etched into history as International Sommelier Day, a day when the sommelier’s artistry and expertise take center stage.
.
.
2. Unveiling the Origins of the Sommelier
The ASI, over the years, has played a pivotal role in elevating the role of the sommelier beyond that of a mere wine steward. No longer confined to being a simple wine waiter, sommeliers have evolved into recognized specialists at the very heart of a restaurant’s core mission: creating a dining experience that lingers in memory. Their refined palate, knowledge, and dedication have transformed the act of wine service into an art form. But how did this transformation come about, and what is the intriguing backstory to the term “sommelier”?
To truly appreciate the modern sommelier, we must journey back in time, to an era of medieval transportation, a far cry from the picturesque vineyards we associate with the profession today. In the 14th century, a sommelier was entrusted with the orderly transport of precious commodities, a task rooted in responsibility and trust. However, it wasn’t until the enchanting late 18th-century Paris that the sommelier’s genuine character emerged, casting them in the role of passionate stewards of wines, an evolution that continues to shape their identity today.
.
.
3. The Thrilling World of Global Sommelier Competitions
International Sommelier Day is more than just a toast to the experts who elevate our dining experiences. It’s a day to celebrate the exciting world of sommelier competitions. ASI annually organizes the Best Sommelier contests at both global and transcontinental levels, attracting luminaries of the sommelier world.
These experts engage in rigorous displays of their wine expertise, undergoing tests, tasks, and tastings under the discerning eye of a jury composed of wine virtuosos. In 2022, the Best Sommelier Asia and Oceania contest took place in Japan, organized by the Japan Sommelier Association (JSA).
.
.
4. The Crucial Role of Wine Sommeliers in Dining
Creating Wine Lists with Expertise: While chefs excel at preparing and presenting food, sommeliers curate exceptional wine lists that complement the dining experience. They ensure that the wine selection caters to a wide range of tastes among diners, enhancing the overall meal.
Empowering Diners with Impeccable Pairings: Not every diner is a wine expert, and this is where the sommelier steps in. When guests are unsure about which wine to choose, they can engage in a conversation with the sommelier. The sommelier, with their in-depth knowledge, can suggest wines that match both the diner’s preferences and budget.
International Sommelier Day is a testament to the evolving role of sommeliers, who have transitioned from commodity caretakers to guardians of an unforgettable dining experience. As we raise our glasses on June 3rd, we pay tribute to these specialists who make our dining moments exceptional. Cheers to the sommeliers, past and present, who have made the world of wine a richer, more delightful place.
FOLLOW US
Sommelier FAQs
1. What is International Sommelier Day, and when is it celebrated?
International Sommelier Day is a global celebration honoring sommeliers, individuals with expertise in wine and beverage service. It is celebrated on June 3rd each year, marking the founding of the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI) in 1969.
2. What is the role of the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale?
The ASI plays a pivotal role in elevating the status of sommeliers beyond that of simple wine waiters. It works to recognize sommeliers as specialists central to a restaurant's core mission of creating an unforgettable dining experience.
3. What are the fascinating origins of the term "sommelier ?
The term "sommelier" has intriguing origins in the world of medieval transportation, not the vineyards as commonly believed. In the 14th century, a sommelier was a trusted person responsible for the orderly transport of commodities. It wasn't until the late 18th-century in Paris that the sommelier's true character emerged, evolving into passionate stewards of wines.
4. What is the educational and professional journey to becoming a sommelier today?
To be recognized as a sommelier today, one must complete a rigorous educational program in the field or undergo years of apprenticeship and training. A sommelier's expertise involves relentless research, dedicated study, and daring experimentation.
5. Can you provide an example of a notable sommelier's journey and achievements?
Guillaume Perdigues, winner of Thailand's first Michelin Sommelier award, serves as an exemplary figure in the field. He works at Mezzaluna of Lebua Hotels and Resorts in Bangkok, Thailand, curating an exceptional wine list while tackling unique challenges in the Thai dining landscape.
6. How is International Sommelier Day celebrated worldwide?
International Sommelier Day is celebrated globally with wine tastings, special events, and social media initiatives that pay tribute to sommeliers and the art of wine service. It's a day for raising a glass to these experts and acknowledging their significant role in the culinary world.
#SommelierDay #WineLovers #SommelierLife #ASIsommelier #WineExperts #SommelierJourney #WinePassion #SommelierCompetition #UnforgettableDining #GuillaumePerdigues #WinePairing #SommelierEducation #FineDining #WineTasting #BestSommelier #WineService #CulinaryArt #WineWisdom #SommelierSkills #CelebratingSommeliers
WINERY STAR GUIDE EUROPE
Camel Valley Winery Star Wine Leaders’ Choice Awarded…
Ornellaia Winery Star Wine Leaders’ Choice Awarded By:…
Domaines Ott Winery Star Wine Leaders’ Choice Awarded…
Ferrari Trento Winery Star Wine Leaders’ Choice Awarded…
Familia Torres Winery Star Wine Leaders’ Choice Awarded…
Maison Louis Jadot Winery Star Wine Leaders’ Choice…
Winery Khareba Winery Star Wine Leaders’ Choice Awarded…
La Spinetta Winery Star Wine Leaders’ Choice Awarded…
Domaine de Trevallon Winery Star Wine Leaders’ Choice…
Champagne Louis Roederer Winery Star Wine Leaders’ Choice…
Champagne Billecart-Salmon Winery Star Wine Leaders’ Choice Awarded…
Weingut Gager Awarded By: Cornelia Becker Weingut Gager…
Quinta de Soalheiro Winery Star Wine Leaders’ Choice…
Marchesi Antinori Winery Star Wine Leaders’ Choice Awarded…
Cornelia Becker (Corni) WIA Ambassador Austria Cornelia Becker (also called Corni for short) is a wine blogger, passionate about Austrian wineries and wines. She was born in 1978 and lives in Lower Austria with her family. As many other experts, she is convinced that Austrian wines have excellent quality and can definitely compete…
Kristy Wenz WIA Ambassador USA Kristy Wenz is a wine and travel writer, educator, and communicator currently based in Chicago. She holds a Level 3 certification from the Wines & Spirits Education Trust. Kristy combines her communications skills with her passion and expertise for wine, travel and culture. She focuses…
Francesco Saverio Russo WIA Ambassador Italy Francesco Saverio Russo, born in the Italian region Marche but Tuscan by “adoption”, is among the best well known and esteemed exponents of the Italian multimedia wine communication. He sees himself as a humble and passionate wine communicator. . For over 18 years…
Pier & Chiara Palumbo WIA Ambassador Italy Pier and Chiara are Sommelier and Wine experts from Piemonte. They are also two musicians. After some years in California, they decided to return to the beauty of their countryside and home. For them, it is all about great stories and unforgettable flavors.…
Alessandro Ingrosso WIA Ambassador Italy Alessandro Ingrosso is a sommelier and a wine lover from Italy. He does not like to define himself as being related to a certain sphere, because basically he compares hismself with wine, which is constantly evolving! Alessandro has been trained in the hospitality sphere, and…
Isis Daniel WIA Ambassador USA Isis Daniel, known as The Millennial Somm (TMS), is a certified Level 3, with Merit, Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) sommelier from Washington, DC. While dedicating 5 years to the Hospitality Industry, she fell in love with wine and decided to refocus her career.. During her vino journey,…
Sharese Hunt WIA Ambassador South Africa Sharese Hunt is a wine professional and wine blogger from South Africa. She lives in Capetown with her family and enjoys amazing local wines matched with lovely food and great scenery. Sharese shares her wine experiences by writing articles for her website called Swirl…
Olga Sofia Schiaffino WIA Ambassador Italy Olga was elected the Best Sommelier of Liguria and received the WSET level 3. Her story with wine started in 2011 when she enrolled in a course to become a sommelier, because she wanted to understand what was in her glass: she is curious…
Frederik Mintz WIA Ambassador Denmark Frederik Mintz is on a journey experiencing the wonders of the grapes. A love affair that started with exploring the Champagnes of France – and with curiosity for Sparkling wines in general. It’s not education, it’s not work – but pure dedication and love for champagne.. As a…
Maxence Jacquot WIA Ambassador France Maxence Jacquot is a wine professional from France. After attending a business school specializing in wine (Institut Supérieur du Vin à Montpellier en France), he worked as a press officer. Maxence was lucky to work for some of the biggest names in the French wine…
Laura Donadoni WIA Ambassador Italy & USA Hailing from Bergamo, Italy, Laura was born and bred on classic Italian wine and creative cuisine. She is a certified professional journalist and editor with a summa cum laude PhD in Communication Sciences, a professional speaker, a certified Sommelier with merit with the North…
Susan R Lin WIA Ambassador USA Susan is a Master of Wine, her joy is to create memorable experiences through wine and the performing arts. Susan is the Head of Wine Expertise for online fine wine retailer Belmont Wine Exchange in the San Francisco Bay Area, where she collaborates with…
Lucia Palm WIA Ambassador USA Lucia Palm is a certified sommelier and wine educator who runs her successful social media brand Lucialoveswine on both Instagram and TikTok, where she recommends quality wines on a budget in tandem with providing wine education to her over 170,000 followers. . Lucia first fell…
Daniele Sottile WIA Ambassador Italy Daniele Sottile has a deep-rooted passion for wine which started in 2002. Since that time, has been continuously studying to discover and share the magic of wine. All started in 2003-2004 when Daniele got the Diploma of Sommelier AIS – Associazione Italiana Sommelier, followed by…
FOLLOW US
Matervini is the new wine adventure of Santiago Achával and Roberto Cipresso. It was born in 2008, in an attempt to answer the question “what’s next…
Brooklyn Winery is an urban, boutique winery located in the heart of Williamsburg in Brooklyn, New York. At this boutique urban winery set in Brooklyn’s vibrant…
At Peach Creek Vineyards in Texas, you can have a glass of your favorite red wine with alpacas! Alpacas & Wine, A Fun & Memorable Experience!…
The Minardi Family, is one of Frascati’s oldest and best-known families. Historically they were landowners and vintners, owning much of what is now Frascati DOCG terrain.…
