The competition, organized by the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (ICHAM) under the auspices of the Italian Embassy in Hanoi and the Consulate General of Italy in HCM City, was held in cooperation with the Association of Italian Professional Sommeliers (ASPI) and the Vietnam Sommelier Association (VSA).
As the first national-level competition in Vietnam dedicated solely to Italian wines, the event set a new benchmark in professional wine education and appreciation.
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Nguyen Huu Toan (black suit) from Da Nang city crowned champion of the inaugural competition |
Beyond technical skill, the competition celebrated the cultural richness of Italian wines, creating a platform for knowledge exchange and professional engagement between producers, distributors and wine lovers across the country.
From over 60 registrations, 38 candidates advanced to the semi-finals held in Hanoi, Da Nang and HCM City.
After months of rigorous evaluation, Nguyen Huu Toan from Da Nang emerged as the overall winner.
His victory followed an intense final round where the top three finalists were tested across a wide range of skills, from blind tasting to real-time service and image recognition.
His prize includes a 10-day educational trip to Italy and a scholarship to achieve the ASI Level 2 certification, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Speaking after his win, Toan said he was overwhelmed with pride and gratitude. “It is my first time winning a sommelier title, and I am deeply honored. I would like to thank the organizers for creating a professional and meaningful stage for sommeliers from across Vietnam to connect and grow together. The world of Italian wines is a universe of stories and traditions – it is something one can explore for a lifetime.”
The final round drew nearly 100 guests from the wine, restaurant, hotel and F&B sectors, reflecting the increasing interest in wine culture in Vietnam.
According to organizers, the event is part of the wider A Taste of Italian Wines project launched by ICHAM in 2022 to promote Italian wine heritage in Southeast Asia.
Chairman of ICHAM Michele D’Ercole noted that the competition reflects a growing demand for professional wine education and cultural exchange.
Italian Consul General Enrico Padula also highlighted the event’s role in strengthening bilateral ties through shared appreciation of wine, promising continued support for future initiatives.
The event also featured a wine exhibition area, introducing premium Italian wines from associations such as Delle Venezie DOC and Valpolicella, as well as top Vietnamese importers.
In a move to support local talent, ICHAM awarded 10 scholarships to hospitality students, furthering its commitment to building a skilled workforce for Vietnam’s F&B industry.
Each scholarship was valued at around 10 million VND (approximately 390 USD), supporting young learners in their professional journey.
As Vietnam’s sommelier scene continues to evolve, this inaugural competition not only honored the talent and dedication of its participants but also underscored the country’s readiness to engage more deeply with global wine culture.
Source: VNA