The Increasing Reach of the ASI Diploma

The ASI Diploma is increasingly seen as one of the pinnacles of sommellerie. When the first exam was offered in 2012, only a small number of ASI member associations were participating. Now, a little more than a decade later, sommeliers from all over the world are participating on a yearly basis. The ultimate goal, according to ASI Exams Committee coordinator and ASI Ambassador, Michèle Chantôme “was and still is to harmonise the level of sommellerie in as many countries as possible.”

To become an ASI Sommelier, by having passed the very demanding Diploma exam, means to be part of the world’s elite and to be able to prove one’s abilities and talent everywhere in the world. It is a highlevel reference on a personal level. And for the associations, it is an undeniable plus to be able to offer this opportunity to their members.

According to Chantôme “the fact that more and more national associations are organizing this exam, including observer members, shows that there is a real need for recognition on the part of sommeliers. In addition, many nationalities are represented, and therefore different cultures, which gives the Diploma a diverse and inclusive character.”

The ASI Certification Exam Committee also prepares a protocol for people with disabilities. This year, a candidate with a hearing impairment took the exam. For this, the committee adapted the time allocated to certain tests, while maintaining a high level of requirement in both the written and other practical tasks.

Chantôme elaborates “I think the presidents of national associations are happy to take advantage of our offer because, in addition to giving them a “turnkey” exam, we guide them through a hotline on WhatsApp at the time of the exam and there is very precise instructions and advice also provided before the day of the exam.”

The members of the committee themselves, led by a World’s Best Sommelier, Giuseppe Vaccarini, represent various countries including Estonia, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Morocco, the Netherlands, South Africa, United Kingdom, and Venezuela, which ensures diversity and neutrality both in the preparation of the tests and in their evaluation.

Through the Diploma and the Certification 1 & 2 exams, ASI encourages sommeliers from all over the world to improve their skills and the associations to train them. There is a strong demand for courses, especially from associations that are not equipped to deliver them. The Bootcamps partly meet this expectation by proposing masterclasses, each year in a different continent. While the overall reach is limited, it is already an enormous leap forward.

Chantôme, on the growth of ASI, says “judge for yourself: the ASI used to organize only competitions. First only the World Contest, since 1969, then the continental ones since 2008. Then ASI launched the Diploma, the Certifications, the ASI Guidelines (Grids and Tutorials) and the ASI Bootcamps! We are on the right track!”

Last month, the Diploma exam was offered in 21 countries, with 99 candidates representing 29 nationalities taking part.