South African Sommeliers Association (SASA) is proud to host the ASI Diploma exam in South Africa this March. Awarded by the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI), this is the highest level of sommelier certification available globally.
The ASI Diploma is designed to rigorously assess a sommelier’s knowledge, technical ability, and service skills at the highest international standard. It is an extremely challenging examination in terms of difficulty, and only a select few manage to earn this distinguished qualification.
The ASI Diploma exam is only held once a year and is conducted simultaneously across all participating ASI associations worldwide. This means the exam format, content, and evaluation criteria cannot be changed or rescheduled.
In South Africa, only two sommeliers have attained the ASI Diploma level – Spencer Fondaumiere and Jean Vincent Ridon – underscoring just how demanding and prestigious this qualification is.
Who can apply?
The ASI Diploma is open to professional sommeliers with the necessary experience and competency requirements. Candidates must already hold a high level of sommelier expertise to attempt this exam.
- SASA members with at least four years of sommelier experience
- Candidates with knowledge equivalent to WSET Level 4 Diploma or CMS Advanced Sommelier
- Professionals with deep expertise in wine, food, and beverage management
This is your opportunity to take on the world's most challenging sommelier exams, and showcase your expertise on a global stage.
Important details
- Date: Monday, 10 March 2025
- Location: The Wine Library, Culture Wine Bar, 103 Bree Street, Cape Town
- Registration closes: 28 February 2025
Costings
- Exam: R7 500
- Annual SASA membership: R1 000
Click HERE to sign up for the exam.