The first Vietnam Best Sommelier in Italian Wines competition concluded with a landmark finale at The Reverie Saigon, spotlighting the nation’s rising wine talent. More than a showcase of skill, the event marked a turning point for Italian wine appreciation in Vietnam, bridging culture, education, and the pursuit of excellence in one elegant, high-stakes celebration.
The final round of the competition Vietnam Best Sommelier in Italian Wines 2025 took place successfully at The Reverie Saigon.
On July 25th, the final round of Vietnam Best Sommelier in Italian Wines 2025 (VBSIW) was successfully held at The Reverie Saigon Hotel, concluding a two-month journey, leaving a profound impression on the Vietnamese sommelier community. The competition was organized by the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (ICHAM), under the patronage of the Embassy of Italy in Hanoi and the Consulate General of Italy in Ho Chi Minh City, with professional collaboration from the Association of Italian Professional Sommeliers (ASPI) and the Vietnam Sommelier Association (VSA).
A historic milestone for the sommelier profession in Vietnam
This is the first national sommelier competition in Vietnam with a focus on Italian wines. The competition is not only a platform to improve professional skills, but also helps promote Italian wine culture, creating a professional bridge between producers, importers, distributors, and the community of wine lovers. From more than 60 applicants, 38 contestants entered the semi-finals in three cities: Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City. The three best contestants were Tran Trung Kien (Hanoi, representing the Northern region), Nguyen Huu Toan (Da Nang, representing the Central region) and Tran Thanh Tu (Ho Chi Minh City, representing the Southern region), who competed in the final round in Ho Chi Minh City. Reflecting on the caliber of the finalists, Mr. Giuseppe Vaccarini, President of ASPI, remarked that: “The professionalism and passion of this year's contestants clearly demonstrate the maturity of the Vietnamese sommelier community.”
Mr. Giuseppe Vaccarini - President of ASPI made speeches.
Opening the event, Michele D’Ercole, Chairman of ICHAM, reflected on its cultural significance: “This competition is a convergence point between Italian wine culture and the Vietnamese sommelier community. This is an important part of the journey of the A Taste of Italian Wines project that ICHAM initiated in 2022.”
ICHAM Chairman – Michele D'Ercole delivered the opening remarks.
Italian Consul General Enrico Padula echoed that sentiment in his welcoming address: “The competition reflects ICHAM’s remarkable efforts in bringing Italian wines closer to the Vietnamese public. The Consulate General of Italy in HCMC will continue to accompany and support upcoming Italian wine promotion projects.”
Italian Consul General Enrico Padula delivered his welcoming remarks.
Grand Finale of International Standards
The final round was highly appreciated for its expertise and professionalism, with the presence of nearly 100 guests working in the F&B, wine, restaurant, and hotel industries. The professional jury board included prestigious international and domestic specialists such as Mr. Giuseppe Vaccarini – President of ASPI, World Champion Sommelier 1978; Mr. Tu Le Huy - President of VSA; Ms. Le Hoang Khanh Vi - Vice President of VSA; Mr. Paul Vo - Brand Ambassador of the Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie DOC Consortium - Italy; and Mr. Marcello Puorro – Italian Brand builder.
The professional jury board included prestigious international and domestic specialists.
The three contestants went through eight challenging workshops, including blind tasting, professional wine services, situation handling, and image recognition. After a series of intense trials, Nguyen Huu Toan from Da Nang emerged as the champion. Tran Thanh Tu from Ho Chi Minh City claimed the first runner-up position, while Tran Trung Kien from Hanoi secured the title of second runner-up.
Final results, from left to right: Tran Thanh Tu – 1st Runner-up; Nguyen Huu Toan – Champion; Tran Trung Kien – 2nd Runner-up.
The prize for the Champion, in addition to the trophy and certificate, includes a 10-day study tour to Italy and a scholarship to take the ASI Certification 2. As the winner of the first edition of Vietnam Best Sommelier in Italian Wines, Mr. Nguyen Huu Toan shared: “I would like to express my sincere thanks to the organizing committee for creating a professional and meaningful playground, where sommeliers from three regions have the opportunity to connect, learn, and share their passion with each other. For me, the journey of learning is endless, especially in the world of Italian wines… I am looking forward to the awarded study tour to Italy – a valuable opportunity to experience firsthand and understand more deeply the wonderful values that Italian wines bring.”
Mr. Nguyen Huu Toan (Da Nang) became the Champion of the first edition of the competition.
A Platform for Education and Cultural Exchange
VBSIW was part of a broader commitment to fostering long-term wine appreciation and industry development. At the closing ceremony, Tran Thanh Quyet, Executive Director of ICHAM — reiterated the vision behind the competition and its long-term cultural value: “VBSIW is the first national sommelier competition in Vietnam dedicated to Italian wines. This is also an important milestone in the journey of implementing the A Taste of Italian Wines project to honor the diversity and long-standing heritage of Italian wines in the Vietnamese market.”
Mr. Tran Thanh Quyet - ICHAM Executive Director delivered a closing speech.
From the perspective of the Vietnam Sommelier Association, the impact extended beyond just the winners. “This competition not only honors the quality of Italian wines,” said VSA President Tu Le Huy, “but also creates a valuable platform for young Vietnamese sommeliers to develop and shine on the international stage.”
Mr. Tu Le Huy - President of Vietnam Sommelier Association shared about the competition.
Beyond the Competition: Lasting Contributions
As part of the competition’s broader scope, ICHAM awarded 10 scholarships to students majoring in Hospitality, contributing to the development of F&B human resources in Vietnam.
ICHAM awarded 10 scholarships to students majoring in Hospitality.
In addition, the final round also offered a display area that showcased products from prestigious Italian wine consortiums such as Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie DOC Consortium, Consortium for the Protection of Valpolicella Wines, as well as the presence of leading Vietnamese wine importers, thereby bringing a diverse tasting experience of Italian wines to guests.
Product display area from prestigious Italian wine consortiums and leading wine importers in Vietnam.
Vietnam Best Sommelier in Italian Wines 2025 marked a defining moment for the country’s sommelier community, setting a new benchmark for professionalism and international collaboration. More than just a celebration of knowledge and technical skill, the competition underscored the growing presence of Italian wines in Vietnam and the deepening cultural dialogue between the two nations.