Italian Sommelier Wine Course for Professional Sommeliers
By Kathleen Pokrud
The Certified Italian Sommelier Wine Course in Thailand 2025–2026, organized by the Italian Trade Agency (ICE–ITA) in collaboration with the Italian Sommelier Foundation (FIS), successfully concluded, following an intensive final examination and official diploma ceremony, held at the Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel.
Designed to assess participants’ professional competencies, the Final Examination, comprising a written test and individual oral exam with blind tasting, was conducted in accordance with the academic standards of the Italian Sommelier Foundation.
The successful completion of the examination led to the awarding of certificates at Diploma Night Closing Ceremony, which were formally awarded by Mrs Paola Guida, Trade Commissioner of the Italian Trade Agency, and Ms Sara Tosti, official instructor of the course. Out of 30 participants, 25 successfully earned the diploma, while five participants achieved outstanding final scores above 90 out of 100, marking an exceptional performance for the program. Legally endorsed by the Italian Republic through the Worldwide Sommelier Association, the diploma grants a qualification recognized in 32 countries worldwide. The five highest examination scores achievement were further rewarded an exclusive vineyard visit trip to Italy, organised by the Italian Trade Agency.
To celebrate the conclusion of the initiative, an Italian Wine Pairing Dinner was hosted at the hotel’s Spice Market Restaurant, featuring an exclusively curated Thai set menu by Chef Akkawin Pitrachart (Chef Pun), paired with selected Italian wines. Each pairing was presented jointly by Chef Pun and Ms Sara Tosti, offering guests a refined gastronomic and educational experience.
This landmark initiative represented not only the first-ever Italian Sommelier Certification Program organised in Thailand, but also the first time that the Italian Sommelier Foundation has conducted its certification course outside Italy and entirely in the English language. As such, the program stood as a major milestone in advancing professional wine education in Thailand while further strengthening cultural and commercial ties between Italy and the Thai hospitality and wine sectors.
ITA Bangkok Office sincerely thanks the Anantara Siam Hotel for its outstanding support as venue host, as well as the wine sponsors: Tops Wine Cellar (Central Food Retail), Bangkok Beer & Beverage (BB&B), Independent Wine and Spirits (IWS), Italasia, Texica, Vinum Lector, the Mineral-Preserved Drinking Water sponsor from Rynn Thailand, and local support instructors, Asst Prof Dr Falan Srisuriyachai and Mrs Sariya Kampanathsanyakorn, whose collaboration was genuinely instrumental in the success of the program.
