The LaLiT Mumbai partnered with the Sommeliers Association of India to host the inaugural Sommelier Competition. The event serves as the gateway to the 2025 SAI Best Sommelier of India competition, leading to international platforms such as the ASI Contest Best Sommelier of Asia & Pacific and the ASI Contest Best Sommelier of the World competitions.
Hosted at The LaLiT Lawn on Thursday, 23rd January 2025, this marks the first-ever alliance between the Sommeliers Association of India and any hospitality group in India, a testimony to The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group’s commitment to advancing the profession.
The event brought together India’s most talented sommeliers, who showcased their proficiency before a select panel of judges. Additionally, representatives from celebrated wine brands such as Good Drop Wines, Fratelli Wines, Grover Zampa, Angel’s Share, Vallonne Vineyards & Rad Elan along with revered industry professionals such as Nina Basset, FIH Co-Founding Trustee of the Gerard Basset Foundation, Saiko Tamura Soga ASI Vice President of ASI Asia & Pacific, Henri Chapon MS, Sonal Holland MW, India’s first and only Master of Wine, & Reva K. Singh, Founder and Editor in Chief of the Sommelier India Wine Magazine, were also in attendance, creating a versatile platform for networking, learning, and celebrating excellence in the world of wine.
Bringing innovation into the hospitality industry, The LaLiT Mumbai consistently raises the bar by curating events that strengthen its legacy and leave a lasting impact on patrons and industry leaders alike. Speaking about this landmark occasion, Charles Donnadieu, Corporate Sommelier, The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group, stated: “The Sommelier Competition by the Sommeliers Association of India is an undertaking to elevate the Indian wine industry. By hosting this competition, The LaLiT aims to empower aspiring sommeliers, foster innovation, and position India on the global wine map.”
