Italian Sommelier Association
Italian Sommelier Association is an Italian non profit organization to promote the profession of sommeliers. It is one of the oldest and the largest sommelier association in the world.
History
The Italian Sommelier Association was founded in Milan on July 7, 1965, officially recognized and legally acknowledged by the Italian government on April 6, 1973, with formal President of the Republic decree #539 in 1973. Its founding members were Prof. Gianfranco Botti, Jean Valenti, Leonardo Guerra and Italian sommelier Ernesto Rossi. The Italian Sommelier Association is part and founding member of the Worldwide Sommelier Association.The AIS awarded the title of honorary sommelier to the pope Benedict XVI in 2006 and to the pope Francis in 2015.
Description
The aim of the Italian Sommelier Association, as stated in the third article of its charter, is to qualify sommelier’s role and profession, therefore adding value to wine, Geographical indications and [traditional specialities in the European Union|traditional specialties] and gastronomy culture. Its aim is also to promote, even in the legislative branch, the introduction of its didactic approach in hospitality related schools, as well as to endorse the sommelier's professional role, international recognition and esteem.AIS features a main central office in Milan and many branches in each region of Italy. The Italian Sommelier Association organizes food & beverage activities such as guided wine tastings, seminars, dinners, visits to vineyards and wineries and cruises. It is also host and main partner to many official professional wine evaluations, services, consultings and exhibitions such as Vinitaly.
Education
Governance
- Since 2022: Umbrian Sandro Camilli
- ...-2022: Antonello Maietta
Published books