Vietnam Sommelier Association (VSA) launches the country’s first ‘Best Sommelier’ Competition

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Aug 12

Under the guidance of the Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Association, the Vietnam Sommelier Association (VSA) is organizing the "Vietnam Best Sommelier Competition 2024" to enhance the skills of its members and to select a champion to represent the SSA (and Vietnam) at the "ASI-Best Sommelier of Asia Pacific 2024" competition in Kuala Lumpur.

The newly launched competition will be held every three years to create a professional and healthy environment, motivating sommeliers working in Vietnam to continuously improve their knowledge and skills. It also aims to introduce a new career to young people currently working in the culinary field in Vietnam.

*Photo courtesy of Vietnam Sommelier Association (VSA)*

The competition focuses on candidates' knowledge, service skills, and wine-tasting abilities and will be divided into three rounds:

Quarter-Final (theory and tasting): 18th July, 2024
Semi-Final (theory, tasting and wine service): 13th August, 2024
Final (including theory, tasting, and wine service), and specialized workshops within the competition framework): 14th August 2024

The competition will be conducted in various forms, including written tests, oral exams, practical service, and wine tasting. The Final will be broadcast live on the competition's page: "Vietnam Best Sommelier Competition 2024 - First Edition."

All candidates are Vietnamese and members of the Vietnam Sommelier Association. There will be 1 winner, 1 first runner-up, and 1 second runner-up, sponsored by various partners. The champion will have the opportunity to represent Vietnam at the "ASI-Best Sommelier of Asia Pacific 2025" in Kuala Lumpur in 2025.

The judging panel includes members of the Vietnam Sommelier Association's Executive Board, respected in the field, and international judges. They will fairly and impartially select a worthy champion to represent Vietnam in international competitions.

About VSA: The Saigon Sommelier Association was established in 2019 but subsequently rebranded into the Vietnam Sommelier Association (SVA) in 2023 to be more inclusive towards other wine lovers across the country who are dedicated and skilled in the field, to support localities and units needing professionalism in wine service.

For more information: https://www.facebook.com/VietnamSommelierCompetition/

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Hi, I’m Jovel Chan, a Singaporean food and drink blogger and F&B consultant📍Ho Chi Minh City.

Over the past two years, I’ve had the pleasure of dining in more than 150+ restaurants across Vietnam and judging multiple competitions. Here, I share the industry through my eyes and I hope it inspires you to discover, learn and explore Vietnam’s exciting food and drink scene.

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