NZ Sommeliers and Wine Professionals recognised
In June, I travelled to Tbilisi, Georgia to present the credentials for our New Zealand Association of Sommeliers and Wine Professionals to become a member of ASI - Association de la Sommellerie Internationale. The General Assembly of around 52 member countries meets each year and has now voted to confirm that New Zealand can become a member of this international body.
It has been a major achievement to work through the requirements of establishing a non-for profit organisation, submit documents about what we are doing in New Zealand and as well provide letters of support from our wine growers.
This opens the door to a unique network of wine professionals working around the world The General Assembly draws together all member countries each year to discuss and then ratify strategy, budgets under the direction of the board and president Andres Rosberg. As well, the Generally Assembly offers some professional development for attendees and this year the opportunity to meet in Georgia means that we are learning about the wines and culture of Georgia.
Thanks to the New Zealand Sommelier and Wine Professionals committee of Cameron J Douglas, Karen Fistonich, Claudio Heye, Matthew Judd, Maciej Zimny, Michael Darby and letters of support from NZ Wine, Family of Twelve, Te Mata Estate Winery, Yealands Family Wines, Villa Maria Estate
2019 will be the 50th Anniversary of ASI and to celebrate, the board has announced that they will host a gathering of sommeliers from all members of member countries in Champagne on June 2nd 2019. This means that if you are a member of our association, you will be able to attend and this provides a unique opportunity to learn and get to know others in our growing network of wine professionals. Put it in your diary!
Celia Hay with President Andres Rosberg and Peer Holm, President of Germany #asisomms
#asigeorgia2018 —Tbilisi.
The certificates for the Diploma of ASI - Association de la Sommellerie Internationale - an exam sat around the world in February - were presented to the presidents to pass on to their successful candidates. #asisomms, #asigeorgia2018
Board Member Michelle McCarthy presents the summary of the SWOT Analysis to the General Assembly. #asisomms #asigeorgia2018 — in Tbilisi, Georgia.
