India’s Sommelier Scene Levels Up as Sommeliers Association of India Brings Home Global Standards and Recognition

India’s Sommelier Scene Levels Up as Sommeliers Association of India Brings Home Global Standards and Recognition

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 26, 2025

The Sommeliers Association of India (SAI) has made a significant impact on the Indian wine industry, bringing global standards and recognition to the country’s growing community of sommeliers. As the only official ASI-affiliated body in India, SAI has been dedicated to elevating the profession, promoting excellence in wine and spirits education, and fostering international collaboration.

Recently, SAI hosted its first-ever 2025 SAI Best Sommelier of India Competition, held on January 23 at The LaLiT Mumbai. This landmark event saw Jai Singh emerge as the winner, with Pankaj Singh and Amber Deshmukh taking second and third place, respectively. The competition not only highlighted India’s top sommeliers but also attracted professionals and experts from across the world, further establishing the nation as a key player in the global wine and hospitality scene.

Strengthening the Industry with Global Partnerships

One of the key drivers behind SAI’s success is its strong partnerships with influential global organizations, which offer exclusive benefits to its members. Notable collaborations include:

  • Jancis Robinson MW OBE: Insights from a leading wine critic and advocate of sustainable winemaking.

  • Jane Anson: Bordeaux expert providing educational guidance.

  • Sommelier India Wine Magazine: India’s first and leading wine magazine, delivering industry insights.

  • GuildSomm: A premier international platform for wine education.

  • RIEDEL: A renowned glassware company enhancing the wine-tasting experience.

These partnerships not only provide educational opportunities but also open doors for career development and networking within the global wine community.

Bridging Global Standards and Indian Talent

SAI has played a pivotal role in making prestigious international certifications accessible to Indian sommeliers. For the first time, Indian professionals were able to sit for the ASI Certification 1 Exam and the ASI Diploma Exam—opportunities previously unavailable in the country. This has empowered Indian sommeliers, such as Abhishek Batabyal, Yash Karnwal, and Jai Singh, to achieve recognition at the global level. In particular, Pankaj Singh made history by passing the ASI Diploma Exam, a monumental achievement for the Indian sommelier community.

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Transforming the Future of Indian Sommeliers

SAI’s efforts are reshaping the landscape of wine education in India, positioning the country’s sommeliers to thrive on the global stage. “We are not only nurturing homegrown talent but giving it a truly international platform,” says Mattia Antonio Cianca, Co-Founder & Vice-President of SAI.

With the support of its global partners and the enthusiasm of its members, SAI is set to pave the way for a new generation of wine professionals who will represent India with pride on the world stage.

As the Indian wine industry continues to evolve, SAI is committed to further advancing the country’s reputation as a hub for wine education, appreciation, and hospitality. Through its ongoing initiatives, the association is not only fostering a community of skilled sommeliers but also nurturing a culture that celebrates the rich diversity of wines and beverages.

"SAI was born out of a vision to create access, opportunity, and recognition for Indian sommeliers on a global stage," says Amrita Singh, Co-Founder & President of SAI. "This recognition is just the beginning of a transformative journey for the Indian hospitality and wine & beverage community."

About Sommeliers Association of India (SAI)

Founded in 2024, the Sommeliers Association of India (SAI) is a leading non-profit organization dedicated to promoting excellence in the sommelier profession. As a member of the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI), SAI offers world-class education, certifications, and networking opportunities for wine professionals across India. Its initiatives, including the SAI Best Sommelier of India Competition, provide a platform for Indian sommeliers to showcase their talent and advance to international competitions such as the ASI Contest Best Sommelier of Asia & Pacific and the ASI Contest Best Sommelier of the World.

SAI is committed to making India a leading hub for wine culture, promoting responsible consumption, and supporting the growth of the country’s rich wine tradition.


Eros Hotel New Delhi Strengthens Water Conservation Efforts During World Water Week

Eros Hotel New Delhi Strengthens Water Conservation Efforts During World Water Week

By Hariharan U

Published on August 25, 2026

Eros Hotel New Delhi is reinforcing its commitment to responsible water management during World Water Week 2026 by highlighting a range of initiatives focused on reducing water consumption, promoting mindful usage and recycling wastewater across its operations.

Organised annually by the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI), World Water Week brings global attention to water-related challenges and the importance of responsible water management. The 2026 edition is being held from 23 to 27 August.

At Eros Hotel New Delhi, water conservation has been integrated across guest areas, kitchens, back-of-house operations and public facilities through a combination of water-efficient infrastructure and awareness initiatives.

The hotel has installed water-saving aerators across taps in guest room washrooms, kitchens and back-of-house areas to regulate water flow and improve consumption efficiency. Public washrooms feature sensor-operated taps, helping reduce unnecessary water usage, while guest rooms are equipped with dual-flush WC cisterns that allow guests to use water according to requirements.

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The hotel's sustainability approach also focuses on creating greater awareness among guests and employees. Water conservation tent cards placed in guest rooms encourage visitors to adopt mindful water-use practices during their stay. Awareness posters across kitchens and back-of-house areas further reinforce responsible water consumption among employees and operational teams.

A key element of Eros Hotel New Delhi's water management strategy is the 100% recycling of wastewater. Treated recycled water is utilised for horticulture and cooling towers, reducing the hotel's dependence on fresh water for selected operational requirements while ensuring wastewater is put to productive use.

By combining water-efficient fixtures, wastewater recycling and awareness programmes, Eros Hotel New Delhi continues to integrate resource-conscious practices into its daily operations.

The initiatives reflect the hotel's broader approach to making water conservation a shared responsibility among guests, employees and operational teams while strengthening its ongoing sustainability efforts.

About Eros Hotel New Delhi:

Eros Hotel New Delhi is a luxury hotel located in the heart of the city, offering accommodation, dining and hospitality facilities for leisure and business travellers.


Ambience Mall Vasant Kunj Hosts Victoria’s Secret ‘Rome After Dark’ Launch with Triptii Dimri

Ambience Mall Vasant Kunj Hosts Victoria’s Secret ‘Rome After Dark’ Launch with Triptii Dimri

By Hariharan U

Published on August 22, 2026

Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj, hosted an exclusive ‘Rome After Dark’ experience by Victoria’s Secret, marking the launch of the brand’s latest Very Sexy Collection and bringing together fashion, luxury and experiential retail.

Inspired by the romance and mystique of Rome, the launch transformed the Victoria’s Secret store into an immersive setting reflecting the collection’s distinctive aesthetic and after-dark appeal.

Actor Triptii Dimri joined the event as the special guest, adding a celebrity and fashion dimension to the evening. Her presence further enhanced the launch, which brought together the brand’s signature fashion identity with an experience-led retail format.

Speaking on the occasion, Arjun Gehlot, Director, Ambience Group, said that luxury retail destinations are increasingly defined by the experiences they create alongside the brands they house. He highlighted the mall’s focus on bringing leading international and premium brands together with experiences designed for an evolving, fashion-conscious consumer.

Shahista Gehlot, Director, Ambience Group, added that contemporary luxury is increasingly about being distinctive, relevant and ahead of the curve. She noted that the ‘Rome After Dark’ experience combined fashion, trends and a strong sense of occasion, reflecting the evolving retail environment at Ambience Mall.

The Very Sexy Collection takes inspiration from Rome’s timeless romance and after-dark allure. Through the ‘Rome After Dark’ narrative, Victoria’s Secret has created a retail experience centred around discovery and engagement while retaining the brand’s distinctive visual and fashion language.

The launch also underlines Ambience Mall Vasant Kunj’s continued focus on premium and luxury retail. The destination brings together international and Indian brands spanning fashion, beauty, lifestyle and dining, positioning itself as a destination that combines shopping with fashion, culture and entertainment.

Over the years, Ambience Mall has also hosted prominent celebrities for brand launches and engagements, further strengthening its role within Delhi’s premium retail and lifestyle landscape.

With Victoria’s Secret’s latest collection at the centre of the evening and Triptii Dimri adding a celebrity presence, the ‘Rome After Dark’ launch showcased how luxury retail is increasingly moving beyond conventional shopping to create immersive and experience-led brand interactions.


TSG Aura Resort Hosts Special Lunch for Students in Shaheed Dweep

TSG Aura Resort Hosts Special Lunch for Students in Shaheed Dweep

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 22, 2026

TSG Aura Resort hosted a special lunch for students of Government Middle School, Sitapur, Shaheed Dweep, South Andaman, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.

The initiative was planned to give the young students a warm and memorable experience. The resort team spent time with the children, interacted with them and shared moments of happiness during the gathering.

More than just providing a meal, the occasion gave the team an opportunity to connect with the students and make them feel valued and appreciated. Through initiatives such as this, TSG Hotels & Resorts continues to engage with the local community and support efforts that contribute to the well-being of people in the destinations where it operates.

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