Member Association Spotlight: taking sommellerie in Argetina to new heights!

Under the presidency of Marcela Rienzo, the Asociación Argentina de Sommeliers (AAS) continues to set ambitious goals, much like her esteemed predecessor and now ASI Vice-President Americas Matías Prezioso. According to Rienzo, the success of the association is measured through a multifaceted approach that includes membership growth, educational advancements, increased activities, sponsorship support, and member commitment. “Our main goal is to raise the level of the sommellerie in Argentina,” Rienzo stated, emphasising the active role of the association in achieving this through collaboration with 82 sponsoring wineries and the organisation of diverse programmes ranging from language workshops to master classes with international speakers.

This international collaboration enriches the AAS, providing its members with a broader perspective and more opportunities for professional development.

With 721 active members, of which 660 are professional sommeliers, the AAS represents a significant community within the Argentine wine industry. The association’s efforts to create a vibrant and supportive environment for sommeliers are evident in its robust calendar of activities and the rich educational content provided to its members, including a monthly newsletter featuring interviews, guest writers, and the latest news from the wine world.

A Mandate of Promotion and Awareness

The AAS’s mandate goes beyond just supporting sommeliers. It aims to promote the culture of Argentine wine and other beverages, whilst advocating for moderate and responsible consumption. “The AAS has to be the place where all sommeliers belong,” Rienzo noted, highlighting the importance of building a community and support network among professionals in the field. Achieving these objectives requires hard work, proactive initiatives, and a collaborative spirit among the board members and the wider sommelier community.

The Benefits of International Collaboration

According to Rienzo, membership in the ASI offers the AAS a platform for global leadership, knowledge sharing, and participation in the global sommelier community. Rienzo expressed pride in having Matías Prezioso on the board, noting his role as a source of inspiration for the association. This international collaboration enriches the AAS, providing its members with a broader perspective and more opportunities for professional development.

With a clear vision and a committed team, the AAS is poised to continue its impactful work, shaping the future of sommellerie in Argentina and beyond.

Education and Continuous Learning

While not a sommelier school, the AAS plays a crucial role in the ongoing education and training of its members. Recognising the disparities in academic offerings across the country, the association has implemented a free AAS exam accessible to sommeliers from nonendorsed programmes, showcasing its commitment to inclusivity and the advancement of sommelier standards nationwide.

Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Rienzo plans to maintain the focus continuing “on its path of work and commitment to excellence.” Plans include hosting events outside Buenos Aires to decentralise activities, even if a challenge given the financial crisis plaguing the nation. There are also plans to host a national best sommelier contest by 2025, reflecting the association’s continued commitment to fostering talent and celebrating excellence in the Argentine sommelier community. Rienzo concludes “the prospect of a contest excites us because we know how much it means for the candidates and for the Argentine sommelier community.”

Under the leadership of Marcela Rienzo, the Asociación Argentina de Sommeliers exemplifies the power of community, education, and collaboration in advancing the sommelier profession. With a clear vision and a committed team, the AAS is poised to continue its impactful work, shaping the future of sommellerie in Argentina and beyond. Joining Rienzo on the board are Vice President, Natalia Suárez, General Secretary, Andrés Lafarge and Treasurer, Máximo Lucioni. The AAS board additionally includes Paz Levinson, Rodrigo Khon, Valeria Gamper, Pablo Colina, Andrea Donadío, Andrea Techera Rienzi, Eugenia Loria, César Vera Barros, Laura Sotelo, Marcelo Yanisky, and Sol Diebel.