The Vietnam Sommelier Association (VSA) was officially launched on 18 April 2025 at a prestigious ceremony held at Park Hyatt Saigon. This landmark event represents a significant step forward for the sommelier profession, the wine community, and the broader F&B industry in Vietnam. The establishment of VSA underscores the nation’s growing appreciation for wine culture and professional excellence in hospitality.
Evolving from the Saigon Sommelier Association (SSA), a pioneering organization founded in 2019, VSA builds on a strong foundation of achievements. Over the past five years, SSA has been instrumental in advancing sommelier education, nurturing a vibrant wine community, and hosting impactful industry events. Among its most notable milestones is the Vietnam Best Sommelier Competition 2024, the first competition of its kind in Vietnam to adhere to international standards.
In early 2025, SSA was officially licensed to expand its operations nationwide and was renamed the Vietnam Sommelier Association. Today, VSA stands as the only legally recognized professional body representing sommeliers in Vietnam. Furthermore, it has joined the global sommelier community as a proud member of the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI).
A Pioneering Direction
VSA aims to become Vietnam’s leading organization for sommelier training and development, with an internationally-minded approach. Its mission is built around three core pillars. Firstly, education and training: VSA is committed to equipping sommeliers and F&B professionals with comprehensive knowledge in wine and refined service. Secondly, connection and collaboration: the association actively fosters partnerships between local and international experts and businesses to drive sustainable industry growth. Lastly, cultural promotion: VSA is dedicated to spreading wine culture and enhancing the global presence of Vietnamese cuisine and hospitality.
An Experienced Executive Board
The strength of VSA lies in its leadership. The Executive Board includes 14 accomplished professionals who represent the new generation of Vietnamese sommeliers. Leading the association is President Mr. Tu Le Huy, a respected figure and runner-up of the 2011 Best French Wine Sommelier in Vietnam competition. Supporting him are National Vice President Ms. Le Hoang Khanh Vi, a top 10 finalist in the Japan Sommelier Competition 2023 and Vietnam’s representative at the ASI Best Sommelier of the World 2023; and Regional Vice President Ms. Tran Thi Dung Tram, the champion of the Vietnam Best Sommelier Competition 2024. Together, they lead nearly 200 young professionals across Vietnam, including sommeliers, service staff, and beverage industry experts.
Future Orientations
Looking ahead, VSA plans to roll out in-depth training programs both online and offline, making knowledge accessible nationwide. The association also seeks to collaborate with global sommelier experts through training workshops and masterclasses. Certification exams aligned with ASI standards—including ASI Level 1 and Level 2—will further professionalize the industry. In addition, VSA will actively promote Vietnamese sommeliers through media and strategic communications to elevate their global recognition.
VSA Launch Events Across Vietnam
To mark its official launch, VSA will host celebratory events in three major cities. The first was held on April 15, 2025, at Park Hyatt Saigon, drawing around 150 distinguished guests. The celebrations will continue in Hanoi on May 6 at Ngon Garden Restaurant and in Danang on May 15 at Novotel Danang Premier Han River, reflecting the nationwide enthusiasm for this exciting new chapter.