Who are Sommeliers Australia?

Sommeliers Australia is a national, not-for-profit hospitality industry association, governed and managed by a committee of volunteers, at both national and state level.

The association began life in the early 1990’s in Victoria and New South Wales as separate associations. In August 2007, the two associations merged to form Sommeliers Australia, and in 2009 State Chapters in Queensland and Western Australia formed, with other States forming shortly afterwards.

Sommeliers Australia is the only association in Australia that represents and supports the education of Australian sommeliers and wine professionals. The focus of the association is to provide our members, and the hospitality industry at large, with relevant education and career development opportunities.

Sommeliers Australia has a growing membership comprised of:

  • Hospitality, wine and beverage professional (from the most experienced and recognised to the highly motivated newcomers to the industry)
  • Wine journalists
  • Hospitality industry suppliers
  • Winery personnel
  • Distributors
  • Interested and motivated consumers.

Membership of Sommeliers Australia is via an annual fee, with a good proportion of subscriptions paid for by members’ employers, emphasising the strength of the Sommeliers Australia’s reputation and standing in the industry.

 

Our mission statement

As an association, Sommeliers Australia’s core mission is to develop and deliver education opportunities for not only our members but for all involved in the hospitality and drinks industries. With a key focus on improving the tasting, communication, education and business skills of our Professional members, this in turn extends to educating our keen and knowledgeable Enthusiast members, as well as the industry at large.

 

Sommeliers Australia is a proud member of ASI

In 2008, as the only national association for sommeliers in Australia, Sommeliers Australia applied for and was welcomed as a full member by the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI).

With ASI’s increased focus on education and training across all levels of sommellerie, Sommeliers Australia members reap the benefits of ASI’s internationally standardised education guidelines and certification programmes, plus they have the opportunity to network with like minded peers from across the globe.