Michèle Chantôme Receives ASI Gérard Basset Lifetime Achievement Award in Lisbon

Lisbon, Portugal (13, October) — This evening, the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI) is delighted to co-host, together with CIM Douro, the ASI Gérard Basset Lifetime Achievement Award Gala Dinner. The invitation-only dinner took place at the Pavilhão de Exposições da Tapada da Ajuda, Instituto Superior de Agronomia, and was held in conjunction with the ASI Contest Best Sommelier of the World 2026 in Lisbon.

As headline sponsor and co-host of this prestigious evening, CIM Douro will bring to Lisbon the identity, heritage and excellence of one of the world’s oldest demarcated wine regions.

The award, which is presented only once every four years, recognises an individual whose career has demonstrated exceptional commitment and passion for sommellerie, wine and hospitality. It honours the memory of Gérard Basset OBE, whose dedication to the profession and generosity towards fellow sommeliers continue to inspire the international wine community.

ASI and CIM Douro were also delighted to welcome Laurent-Perrier, Stoelzle Lausitz and Perlage as partners of an evening celebrating excellence, heritage and the people who shape the world of wine.

This year’s recipient is Michèle Chantôme, affectionately known as the “godmother of sommeliers”. Over her career, Chantôme has helped professionals find recognition, opportunity and a sense of belonging within the international sommelier community. Through competitions, professional certification, advocacy and personal encouragement, she has championed both excellence and the human relationships at the heart of hospitality.

Her connection to the profession began in the 1960s, when her public relations work for Cognac and Champagne houses brought her into contact with hospitality school teachers and involved her in organising competitions. That involvement grew through the Ruinart Trophy, first in France and later across Europe, where she worked closely with national sommelier associations and ASI. She also encouraged the creation of numerous national associations, helping to extend the profession’s international reach.

“It’s been a beautiful adventure,” Chantôme reflected in an interview with ASI. “Over this time, many fantastic encounters have been had, and deep friendships have been born.”

Having worked with and represented ASI internationally since the 1980s, Chantôme has held numerous positions within the association, including Secretary General, director of various committees and regional Vice-President. During William Wouters’ current tenure as President of ASI, Chantôme was named ASI Ambassador. In this role, she has advocated for the global sommelier community, bringing together professionals from around the world.

Chantôme has also been a champion of education. Alongside the ASI Exams and Education Committee, she has supported the development and implementation of the ASI Diploma, ASI Certification levels and, most recently, a new preparatory level. These initiatives help lay the foundations for the long-term success of sommellerie, particularly in emerging markets where access to sommelier education is more limited.

For Chantôme, these initiatives share a common purpose: celebrating talent while strengthening the bonds between sommeliers.

“I think of sommeliers as a collective of individuals driven by the same passion,” she explained. “The work we have done as an association reinforces the feeling of being members of the same family.”

Receiving an award bearing Gérard Basset’s name carries particular personal significance. Chantôme first met Basset in 1992, when he became Best Sommelier of the United Kingdom and finished runner-up in the world contest in Rio de Janeiro. She recognised qualities that would define his extraordinary career and ultimately help him earn the title of ASI Best Sommelier of the World in Chile in 2010.

“I was immediately struck by his love of the profession, his curiosity, his determination, his sense of human relationships and sharing,” she recalled.

Their friendship developed into a close working relationship within ASI, particularly during Basset’s leadership of the ASI Sommeliers Contests Committee.

“It was in this capacity that I worked closely with him,” Chantôme said. “It was a real privilege.”

Chantôme was also instrumental in developing the award that now honours her. Together with Gérard’s wife, Nina, and their son, Romané, she helped shape a lasting tribute connecting his legacy with ASI’s pursuit of excellence. Her original wish had been to honour Basset during ASI’s fiftieth anniversary. Following his untimely death, that recognition became a posthumous tribute and the foundation for an award celebrating a lifetime of contribution.

Reflecting on his family’s relationship with Chantôme, Romané Basset said:
“I have known Michèle since I was a baby but was fortunate enough to really get to know her during the 2004 ASI Contest Best Sommelier of the World in Athens. Since then, I have seen her work tirelessly to further, promote and strengthen the global sommelier community.
“She is passionate about preserving the highest standards of the trade, continuing to insist upon its relevance in today’s world and continuing the work of ASI to connect and support sommeliers across the world.
“I have enjoyed working with her behind the scenes within the Exams and Education Committee, where her passion and drive have been inspiring. Michèle was a very dear friend to my father and remains a very dear friend to both me and Muma. I am grateful for all the happy memories that she and Papa had together, as well as for the support she showed him, Muma and me while he was so unwell. Many congratulations, Michèle. You are a well-deserved winner and an inspiration to the world of sommellerie.”

During a week devoted to the highest levels of sommelier achievement, Chantôme’s recognition will serve as a reminder of the people who make that achievement possible: those who encourage, connect, mentor and create opportunities for others.

Nina Basset added, I am personally delighted that Michèle is being honoured with this award. Gerard and Michèle enjoyed a very close and warm relationship over many years, and that friendship has continued between Michèle, myself and Romané too. Gerard would be so proud to see Michèle as the winner of this prestigious award, he would agree she is the worthiest of winners and he would be thrilled that Michèle is being honoured at an ASI World contest, which he himself loved to attend and held so dear, the fact that it is Lisbon makes it even more special.

Presentation Details
Date: 13 October 2026
Venue: Pavilhão de Exposições da Tapada da Ajuda, Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Lisbon
Access: BY INVITATION ONLY

The Final
The final of the ASI Contest Best Sommelier of the World will take place on 16 October at Coliseu dos Recreios in Lisbon and will also be streamed live on the ASI YouTube channel. For schedules, candidate information, ticket access and press resources, visit www.asi.info.