Why I value being a ASI Diploma holder - Eric Zweibel MS (Sommelier of the Year 2024, Director of Wine at the Samling hotel)

What motivated you to do the ASI Diploma?

My initial idea was to do it to prepare for the Best Sommelier of the world in 2019

Challenging myself to get ready for competition and also to make me think of new ideas and new techniques

How did you find the exam and were there any additional benefits from the day for you apart from achieving the qualification?

At my time, the exam was not as popular as it is today. It also wasn't taking place in England. I went to Netherland’s to do it.

Since the UK Sommelier Academy has started hosting it, the UK has become one of the best places to do this exam and strongest in it’s success rate.

I'm very proud to be the first English candidate to show the way

How did you find the support of the UK Sommelier Academy in doing the ASI Diploma?

I want to thank the UKSA team for the huge amount of education and inspiration they give the young generation of Sommelier’s

What advantages (if any) do you think you have holding the ASI Diploma?

Firstly, it can put in the CV as a reference, highly recognised in the industry. There is also a great advantage in becoming a member of the UKSA for future help and support.

It’s fundamental in gaining an understanding of the ASI standard in order to compete in competition, specifically for the UK Sommelier of the Years and the ASI European and World Contest’s.

Would you recommend other Sommelier's in your position to do the exam?

Absolutely, It's a very important exam and becoming involved with the team at UKSA that makes this happen and is driving forward the Sommelier industry in the U.K is priceless.