The Association de la Sommellerie International (ASI), the non-profit global governing body of sommellerie, is pleased to announce the list of candidates for the ASI Contest Best Sommelier of Europe, Africa & Middle East 2024, to be held next week in Belgrade, Serbia. 41 competitors from across Europe, Africa and Middle East will compete for the title of these regions’ best. The group includes 39 competitors from member countries of ASI plus two competitors from Lebanon and Moldova, whose sommelier associations are currently in the College of Applicants awaiting full member status with the global sommelier association.
Of the competitors for this year’s contest, ASI President William Wouters says, “the ASI Contest Best Sommelier of Europe, Africa, & Middle East 2024 exemplifies the dynamic evolution of our profession. This year, we’re thrilled to see an inspiring level of diversity among our competitors, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry and a commitment to hospitality and service at the highest level from across these regions. Nearly 80 percent of our contestants are under 40, a testament to the new generation's commitment, energy, and passion for sommellerie. From the growing strength of competitors in Eastern Europe to the remarkable talent emerging from Africa and the Middle East, we’re witnessing an era of unprecedented skill and knowledge in our profession. It’s an exciting time for sommeliers, and I am proud to see such a broad representation at this prestigious competition.”
This year’s contest has been jointly organised by ASI, and its various committees, in partnership with the Serbia Sommelier Association (SERSA) under the direction of President Dejan Živkoski. Of hosting the contest Živkoski says “we are excited to welcome over 40 of the best sommeliers from around the world, along with the presidents of their national associations, renowned wine journalists and numerous guests who are passionate lovers of wine and sommellerie. This is an opportunity to not only showcase sommellerie but also our famous Serbian hospitality, delicious Serbian food, top-quality Serbian wines, and our renowned Rakia.”
With the rise of sommellerie in all corners of the globe, this year’s contest provides the opportunity for a sommelier from countries outside of the profession’s historic Western European epicenter to finish on the podium. Wouters continues, “this promises to be a very intense, challenging contest. There are no longer any guarantees. I would not be surprised to see more than a few sommeliers in the semi-final, or even the final, from countries that have yet to previously achieve this level at an ASI contest.”
Meet the candidates
Candidates - ASI - Association de la Sommellerie Internationale
Among them is the Greek Eleftherios Haniallidis MS and we wish him good luck in the upcoming competition in Belgrade.
Stay tuned!
Source:ASI
