SAI Introduces ASI Sommelier Diploma in India, Elevating Industry Standards

SAI Introduces ASI Sommelier Diploma in India, Elevating Industry Standards

By Nishang Narayan

Published on February 28, 2025

The Sommeliers Association of India (SAI), the only official ASI-affiliated body in India, has introduced a game-changing initiative for the Indian sommelier community. For the first time, the prestigious ASI Sommelier Diploma will be conducted in India, exclusively through SAI. This globally recognized certification is a hallmark of excellence in the wine and hospitality industry, setting a new benchmark for professionals in the field.

The ASI Sommelier Diploma Exam will take place on March 10, 2025, in Mumbai, and is open to SAI members with at least three years of experience. Candidates can qualify at three levels—Bronze (60%), Silver (65%), and Gold (75%), with an additional 10% bonus for foreign language exams in English, French, or Spanish. Those who pass will receive the ASI Sommelier Diploma, an official pin, and a certificate, granting them global recognition.

To further support professional development, SAI will host a special lecture by Mattia Antonio Cianca on March 17, 2025, at The Lalit Suri Hospitality School in Delhi. The following day, March 18, 2025, the ASI Certification 1 Exam will be conducted at the same venue, exclusively for SAI members. Interested candidates must register by February 28, 2025.

Speaking on this milestone, Amrita Singh, President of SAI, shared:
"Bringing the ASI Sommelier Diploma to India is a monumental step for our industry. This certification validates the expertise of Indian sommeliers and opens doors to global opportunities, strengthening India's presence on the international wine stage. Our membership program is designed to empower sommeliers with the tools and connections they need to succeed."

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Adding to its list of achievements, SAI recently concluded the 2025 Best Sommelier of India Competition, celebrating Jai Singh as the winner. Jai will now represent India at the 2025 ASI Best Sommelier of Asia & Pacific Competition, with the ultimate goal of competing in the 2026 ASI Best Sommelier of the World Championship. The competition tested participants on knowledge, tasting expertise, and service skills, making it a defining moment for India’s sommelier industry.

In addition to these initiatives, SAI’s Membership Program provides exclusive benefits to sommeliers and wine professionals. As the only official ASI-affiliated body in India, SAI membership grants access to the ASI Sommelier Diploma, international networking, industry masterclasses, and top-tier competitions. Only SAI members can register for the ASI Diploma Exam and international sommelier contests, making membership a gateway to global success.

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Mattia Antonio, Vice President of SAI, emphasized the significance of these developments, stating:
"The ASI Sommelier Diploma and SAI Membership Program mark a new era for Indian sommeliers. By equipping them with world-class education and a global network, we are paving the way for India to become a key player in the international wine and hospitality industry."

SAI invites wine and hospitality professionals to be part of this transformative journey. Whether you aspire to earn the ASI Sommelier Diploma, compete for the title of Best Sommelier of India, or expand your professional network, this is your opportunity to elevate your career in the Indian wine industry.

For more information, visit: Sommeliers Association of India


CheckIn Partners with MAP to Bring Art-Led Experiences to SUNDAY Hotels

CheckIn Partners with MAP to Bring Art-Led Experiences to SUNDAY Hotels

By Hariharan U

Published on February 25, 2026

In a move that blends hospitality with heritage, CheckIn has partnered with Museum of Art & Photography (MAP), Bengaluru, to introduce curated art experiences across select SUNDAY Hotels. The initiative aims to transform hotel spaces into immersive cultural environments where Indian art and storytelling become an integral part of the guest journey.

Launched as a pilot across three properties, Sunday Hotel, Zirakpur; Sunday Hotel & Residency M3M, Gurugram; and Sunday Hotel & Resort, Manesar, the collaboration marks one of the first structured efforts in India to embed museum-curated art within hospitality spaces at scale. Rooted in the shared belief that art should be part of everyday life, the partnership reimagines hotels not merely as places to stay, but as living galleries reflecting India’s artistic depth.

The inaugural collection features curated reprints spanning indigenous art practices, modern and contemporary works, and elements of popular culture. Gond paintings by Jangarh Singh Shyam offer insights into indigenous storytelling traditions, while Madan Meena’s Baramasa series draws from a distinctive genre of Indian miniature painting depicting the rhythm of seasons and their emotional resonance. Textile Labels from the early 20th century highlight the influence of chromolithography on art and design during that era.

Speaking on the partnership, Varun Jain, Chief Operating OfficerAsia, PRISM, noted that art has the power to deepen connections to culture and shared narratives. Abhishek Poddar, Founder of MAP, added that moving art beyond museum walls into everyday spaces encourages curiosity and fosters meaningful engagement with South Asian visual heritage.

The collaboration reflects evolving travel preferences, where guests increasingly seek culturally immersive and meaningful stays. By integrating curated art into its properties, CheckIn positions SUNDAY Hotels as spaces that celebrate regional narratives and artistic traditions while offering a contemporary hospitality experience.

With plans to expand the programme across additional SUNDAY Hotels, CheckIn aims to create a distributed art experience across India, one that brings cultural memory and creative expression closer to travellers nationwide.

PRISM, the parent company of OYO, operates across more than 35 countries, serving over 100 million customers globally through diverse hospitality and urban living solutions. Meanwhile, MAP Bengaluru, housed in a purpose-built 44,000 square foot space on Kasturba Road, continues its mission to preserve and promote South Asian visual art while cultivating a stronger museum-going culture in India.


Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai Unveils Its Grand New Ballroom, Redefining the City’s Celebration Landscape

Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai Unveils Its Grand New Ballroom, Redefining the City’s Celebration Landscape

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 24, 2026

Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai has officially unveiled visuals of its newly launched 10,000-square-foot ballroom, a landmark addition that sets a new benchmark for luxury celebrations in the city. Located in Worli, one of Mumbai’s most vibrant cultural and social districts, the ballroom has been conceptualised as a refined spatial experience rather than a traditional banqueting hall. Designed to feel expansive yet intimate, the venue seamlessly balances scale, proportion, and meticulous detailing.

Opened on 29th January 2026, the pillarless ballroom brings together architectural elegance, cutting-edge technology, and the signature personalised service synonymous with the Four Seasons brand. A private arrival porch and dedicated entrance establish a sense of exclusivity from the outset, leading guests into a 1,300-square-foot pre-function area ideal for welcome rituals, cocktail receptions, and elegant mingling.

The heart of the venue is a 5,700-square-foot uninterrupted main hall with soaring ceilings and clear sightlines, offering remarkable flexibility for weddings, milestone celebrations, social soirées, fashion showcases, automobile launches, and corporate galas. Integrated LED panelling across an entire wall, advanced audiovisual systems, and adaptable lighting allow the space to transition effortlessly from sunlit daytime ceremonies to immersive evening celebrations.

The ballroom’s design palette blends deep blues with nuanced gold accents and luminous whites, creating a setting that feels both contemporary and timeless. Subtle spherical motifs and bespoke finishes introduce warmth and architectural rhythm, while a live kitchen concept, anchored by a dedicated local maharaj, ensures that culinary artistry remains central to every occasion.

Speaking on the unveiling, Nitesh Gandhi, General Manager, Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai, said, “At Four Seasons, we believe celebrations should feel deeply personal and effortlessly grand. This ballroom has been crafted to honour life’s most meaningful milestones, where every wedding vow, every toast, and every gathering is elevated by design, service, and heartfelt attention.”

In keeping with the hotel’s commitment to conscious luxury, sustainability is thoughtfully woven into the ballroom’s offerings. These include locally sourced menus, collaborations with eco-luxe décor partners, and a zero-waste culinary philosophy that balances indulgence with responsibility.

The newly released imagery highlights the ballroom’s grandeur, design nuances, and immersive atmosphere, offering a compelling preview of what awaits. Now open, the ballroom at Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai positions itself as one of the city’s most coveted event destinations, where impeccable service, architectural sophistication, and thoughtful personalisation come together to create celebrations that are not just hosted, but exquisitely experienced.


The Bengaluru Brasserie at Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore Wins Best Multi-Cuisine Restaurant Award

The Bengaluru Brasserie at Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore Wins Best Multi-Cuisine Restaurant Award

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 24, 2026

Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore has announced that its signature all-day dining venue, The Bengaluru Brasserie, has received the Best Multi-Cuisine Restaurant award at the Food Connoisseur Awards.

The award recognises the restaurant’s steady commitment to serving quality food across a wide range of cuisines, supported by warm and attentive service. Located in the heart of MG Road, The Bengaluru Brasserie offers a diverse menu that brings together Indian favourites and popular global dishes, catering to varied dining preferences.

Over the years, the restaurant has built a strong following among both in-house guests and Bengaluru diners. Known for its generous breakfast spreads, balanced lunch options, and relaxed dinner setting, it has become a dependable choice for business meetings, family gatherings, and casual get-togethers. The culinary team focuses on using fresh ingredients, thoughtful preparation, and flavours that appeal to a broad audience.

Speaking on the achievement, Sahil Ranaut, General Manager Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore said, “We are honoured to receive the Best Multi-Cuisine Restaurant award at the Food Connoisseur Awards. This recognition reflects the dedication of our kitchen and service teams, who work hard every day to deliver a memorable dining experience. We are especially thankful to our guests for their continued trust and support.”

This recognition marks an important milestone for Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore and reinforces its commitment to offering dependable, high-quality dining experiences for the city’s growing community of food lovers.

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