Jai Singh Takes Home SAI’s Best Sommelier of India Award

India has officially entered the global sommelier arena, and the cork has popped on a historic milestone. At The LaLiT Mumbai, the inaugural SAI Best Sommelier of India competition reached its thrilling conclusion, with Jai Singh emerging victorious. This isn’t just a personal triumph for Singh but a moment of arrival for India’s wine professionals on the international stage.

Organised by the Sommeliers Association of India (SAI), the competition drew talent from across the country and beyond, with participants from Dubai, the Maldives, Singapore, Italy, and even cruise ships vying for the top spot. Over multiple rounds, the best in the business showcased their skills in blind tastings, food pairings, and service precision, all scrutinised by a jury of industry heavyweights.

Singh will now represent India at the ASI Best Sommelier of Asia & Pacific competition in Malaysia and, if the momentum continues, at the global contest in Portugal in 2026. Joining him on this journey are runners-up Pankaj Singh and Amber Deshmukh, who, along with the champion, will attend the ASI Education Boot Camp in Singapore later this year.

SAI’s co-founder and president, Amrita Singh, hailed the event as a defining moment. “All participants should be proud of their outstanding performances,” she said, acknowledging the rigorous international standards upheld by the competition. “We are truly honoured to have had global wine celebrities such as Saiko Tamura-Soga and Nina Basset FIH on the jury, ensuring a fair and challenging evaluation.”

Jai Singh’s win also resonated beyond the competition floor. Nina Basset, co-founding trustee of the Gérard Basset Foundation, noted his journey from scholar to champion. “Having followed his progress, I take immense pride in seeing his growth and success,” she said. For Singh, this is just the beginning of an exciting road ahead, with the world’s most prestigious sommelier competitions now within reach.

The jury, an ensemble of some of the most respected names in the industry, included Saiko Tamura-Soga, Nina Basset, Sonal Holland, and other internationally celebrated experts. Their collective experience ensured that the competition met the highest global benchmarks, setting a strong precedent for future editions.

Mattia Antonio Cianca, SAI’s co-founder and vice-president, saw the event as a springboard for Indian sommeliers. “The level of skill and passion displayed gives us confidence that Indian sommeliers are ready to shine on the world stage.”

With the first edition wrapped, India’s sommelier community has firmly planted its roots in the global wine conversation. The SAI Best Sommelier of India competition is more than just an event—it’s a platform, a proving ground, and a launchpad for talent poised to make a mark internationally. And with this new wave of Indian wine expertise uncorked, the best is surely yet to come.