Ho Chi Minh City, 2025 – The Vietnam Sommelier Association (VSA) was officially launched today in a prestigious ceremony, heralding a significant milestone for the sommelier profession, wine culture, and the food and beverage (F&B) industry in Vietnam.

Emerging from its predecessor, the Saigon Sommelier Association (SSA), founded in 2019, the VSA is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing sommelier education and fostering a vibrant wine community nationwide. Over the past five years, SSA made notable strides, including organizing the Vietnam Best Sommelier Competition 2024—Vietnam’s first sommelier competition adhering to international standards. This landmark event earned wide acclaim across the local and regional F&B sectors and was recognized as a “Top Tourism Event of 2024” by the Vietnam Tourism Association at the 2025 VITA Awards.



Following official licensing by the Vietnam Tourism Association in early 2025, the SSA evolved into the Vietnam Sommelier Association, expanding its operations nationwide. The VSA is the sole legally recognized organization representing sommeliers in Vietnam and proudly holds membership in the prestigious Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI).

Vision and Mission
VSA aims to become the premier institution for sommelier training and professional development in Vietnam, with a commitment to global integration. Its strategic focus includes:
• Education & Training: Delivering advanced knowledge on wine and restaurant service to sommeliers and F&B professionals.
• Connection & Collaboration: Creating strong partnerships between domestic and international experts and businesses to foster sustainable growth.
• Cultural Promotion: Championing wine culture while elevating Vietnamese cuisine on the global gastronomic stage.

Leadership Driving Excellence



The VSA Executive Board comprises 14 accomplished professionals, representing a dynamic new generation of sommeliers. Key leaders include:
• President Mr. Tu Le Huy, runner-up in Vietnam’s Best French Wine Sommelier Competition (2011).
• National Vice President Ms. Le Hoang Khanh Vi, Master of Science in Viticulture and Enology, Top 10 finalist at the Japan Sommelier Competition 2023, and Vietnam’s representative at the ASI Best Sommelier of the World 2023.
• Regional Vice President Ms. Tran Thi Dung Tram, champion of the Vietnam Best Sommelier Competition 2024.

Pioneering Programs and Global Outreach
• Comprehensive training programs available both online and in-person for members throughout Vietnam.
• Engagement of international sommelier experts to enhance education quality.
• Hosting certification exams recognized by ASI, including ASI Level 1 and Level 2, advancing Vietnam’s sommelier professionalism.
• Promoting Vietnamese sommeliers on the international stage through targeted media and communication campaigns.
With nearly 200 active members nationwide, including sommeliers, professional servers, and industry specialists, VSA represents a vibrant community dedicated to excellence across restaurants, hotels, bars, and wine import businesses.
The official launch of the Vietnam Sommelier Association signals a new chapter in Vietnam’s culinary and wine journey, poised to raise both standards and visibility of the profession on the world map.

VSA