ASI Strengthens Global Reach at 2026 General Assembly in Taiwan.

Lebanon and India become full ASI member countries, the UAE joins the College of Applicants, and future milestones are confirmed for Lisbon, Brazil, Africa and the Middle East, Argentina and Japan.

The Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI) recently concluded its 2026 General Assembly in Taiwan, bringing together member association presidents, partners, educators and sommeliers from around the world for meetings, cultural exchange and discussions on the past, present and future of the profession.
Hosted by the Taiwan Sommelier Association under the leadership of Howard Hsia, the General Assembly combined official governance meetings with an immersive exploration of Taiwanese gastronomy, tea culture and hospitality.

During the Assembly, ASI members voted to advance both Lebanon and India from applicant status to full member countries, further strengthening ASI’s global reach and reflecting the continued growth of sommellerie in emerging markets. Delegates also welcomed the United Arab Emirates Sommelier Guild into the ASI College of Applicants.

Several important upcoming ASI events were also highlighted during the General Assembly. ASI confirmed continued preparations for the ASI Contest Best Sommelier of the World 2026, which will take place in Lisbon in October 2026. ASI also announced that guest packages will be available, allowing sommeliers, partners and wine enthusiasts from around the world to experience the competition alongside educational and cultural programming.

Attendees also received updates on the upcoming ASI Bootcamp in Brazil, while ASI confirmed the launch of the first-ever ASI Contest Best Sommelier of Africa and Middle East, scheduled for May 2027, marking a significant milestone in the organization’s expansion into new competitive regions. Additional future events were also approved, including the 2028 ASI General Assembly in Argentina, and the selection of Hokkaido, Japan as host of the ASI Contest Best Sommelier of the World 2030.

During the General Assembly, ASI recognized this year’s ASI Diploma recipients, a globally diverse group, further recognizing excellence and achievement within the sommelier community.
In addition to the official Assembly program, delegates participated in a series of educational and cultural experiences designed to showcase Taiwan’s unique approach to hospitality and beverage culture. These included sake masterclasses presented by the Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association, Taiwanese whisky sessions featuring Omar Whisky, in-depth explorations of local gastronomy and tea education initiatives including a visit to the Hakka Tea Culture Museum and tea plantation visits, culminating in many attendees completing an introductory tea certification course.

The Assembly concluded with the Gala Dinner, a celebration of unity and the strength of ASI’s international sommelier community.

ASI President William Wouters praised the Taiwanese hosts for creating an Assembly that reflected both tradition and innovation within the context of modern sommellerie.

“Under the direction of Howard Hsia and the Taiwan Sommelier Association, this General Assembly became far more than a series of meetings. The program offered delegates a meaningful immersion into Taiwanese culture while presenting a unique and evolving vision of sommellerie that embraces water, tea, sake, gastronomy and hospitality alongside wine. Taiwan demonstrated how our profession can remain deeply rooted in service while also embracing its cultural identity and expanding its cultural horizons.”
Wouters also emphasized the importance of protecting the integrity and long-term sustainability of the profession as sommellerie continues to grow internationally.

“The future of sommellerie remains incredibly positive. Around the world we see growing passion, stronger education systems and examination platforms led by our own ASI Certifications and Diploma programmes. With this we are welcoming both new generations entering the profession with curiosity and ambition, but also new cultures as our global sommelier base is ever expanding.

While the sommelier world expands, we must remain vigilant. Our profession is not immune to global politics, economic pressures, and the ever-changing beverage alcohol landscape. Having a General Assembly in Taiwan that has such a strong culture of tea and other beverages highlights our continual need to promote education and embrace diversity.

As we grow increasingly, we see for-profit businesses attempting to capitalize on the image and credibility of sommellerie without always supporting the values, education and community that define our profession. As ASI and as a global community, we must continue addressing these challenges to ensure sommellerie remains rooted in integrity, service, inclusivity and professional excellence.”

ASI extends its sincere gratitude to the Taiwan Sommelier Association, volunteers, educators, partners and supporters whose efforts made the General Assembly a success and reinforced the spirit of international collaboration that defines the organization.

Special Thanks to Our Hosts and Partners

ASI Partners: Perlage, Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association, Vinhos Verdes, Graham’s Port, Stoelzle Lausitz, Vinexposium, Wines of Portugal, Wine of Moldova, Maison Chateau Laguiole, SommelierS International, Gérard Basset Foundation, GuildSomm, Wine in Moderation. 
ASI General Assembly Event Partners: Vivant, Omar Taiwan Single Malt Whisky, Otoe, DiVin, Enoteca, YongYi Winery, Nong Lai restaurant

Source: Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI)