The Vietnam Sommelier Association and the Sai Gon Sommelier Association are joining forces to co-organize an exciting competition, as announced by Le Hoang Khanh Vi, vice president of the latter association. The winner of this contest will have the honor of representing Vietnam in the 2025 Best Sommelier in Asia-Pacific competition, to be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
This triennial event is designed not just to crown a champion but also to foster the growth of the sommelier profession in Vietnam, alongside the country’s wine industry and cuisine, Vi explained at a press meeting in Ho Chi Minh City on August 1. The competition is open to Vietnamese sommeliers who are proud members of the Vietnam Sommelier Association, and it will consist of three challenging rounds: the quarter-final, semi-final, and final.
The quarter-final round, already held in Ho Chi Minh City on July 18, saw talented sommeliers showcase their skills. The semi-final round is just around the corner on August 13, with the finalists set to be decided the very next day on August 14. Contestants will be evaluated through written, oral, and practical tests, covering a range of wine knowledge and practical skills, including wine serving and tasting.
The judging panel for this prestigious competition includes renowned names such as Saiko Tamura-Soga, Vice President for Asia-Pacific of ASI (Association de la Sommellerie Internationale), and Giuseppe Vaccarini, the illustrious winner of the Best Sommelier of the World ASI 1978. Their expertise and presence further elevate the caliber of this event.
Ngo boat racing in the Mekong Delta kicks off
The fourth ngo boat racing of the Mekong Delta region kicked off on November 10, 2019, on Maspero River, Soc Trang City, Soc Trang province.