International Sommelier Day
June 3, 2027
About International Sommelier Day
International Sommelier Day is celebrated every year on 3 June, honouring the wine professionals who guide us through the world of grapes, regions, and food pairings. The date marks the founding of the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI) in Reims, France, in 1969. It is a global toast to the expertise and passion that turn a meal into an occasion.
How to Celebrate International Sommelier Day
This is a day made for raising a glass, so most of the celebrations centre on enjoying and learning about wine. Here are some ways to take part:
- Thank a sommelier – If you visit a restaurant with a wine list, ask the sommelier for a recommendation and let them know you appreciate their craft. Their job is to make your meal better.
- Try a guided wine tasting – Book a tasting at a local wine bar, merchant, or vineyard and learn how to read aroma, body, and finish like a professional.
- Attempt a food and wine pairing at home – Match a bottle to a meal, perhaps a crisp white with seafood or a bold red with steak, and notice how the right pairing transforms both.
- Explore an unfamiliar region or grape – Pick a wine from a country or variety you have never tried, whether a Greek Assyrtiko or a Hungarian Furmint, and broaden your palate.
- Visit a vineyard or cellar – Spend the day touring a winery to see how wine is made and aged, and talk to the people who produce it.
- Take a short wine course – Many providers offer introductory tasting classes that teach the basics of how sommeliers assess and serve wine.
- Host a blind tasting with friends – Cover the labels and challenge your guests to guess the grape, region, or vintage. It is a fun way to appreciate the skill involved.
- Support an independent wine merchant – Buy a bottle from a local specialist rather than a supermarket and ask for their personal recommendation.
What is International Sommelier Day?
International Sommelier Day is an annual celebration of sommeliers, the trained wine professionals who specialise in every aspect of wine service, from cellar management and list creation to food pairing and guest experience. The day recognises that a sommelier’s role goes far beyond pouring a glass; it blends knowledge, hospitality, and creativity. It is observed by wine lovers, restaurants, and sommelier associations around the world, often through tastings, seminars, and special menus.
When is International Sommelier Day?
International Sommelier Day falls on Thursday, 3 June 2027. It is a fixed-date observance held on 3 June every year, chosen to commemorate the founding of the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale on that date in 1969.
The History of International Sommelier Day
The word sommelier has surprisingly old roots. In the 14th century it referred to a trusted official responsible for transporting goods and supplies. By the late 18th century in Paris, the role had evolved into something closer to what we recognise today: a steward devoted to the selection, storage, and service of wine. As fine dining developed, the sommelier became a central figure in the restaurant, bridging the kitchen, the cellar, and the guest.
The modern profession gained formal structure on 3 June 1969, when the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale was established in Reims, in the heart of the Champagne region. The ASI united national sommelier associations under one global body, helping to standardise training, raise professional standards, and elevate the status of the sommelier from wine waiter to respected specialist. International Sommelier Day takes its date from this founding moment.
Today the ASI organises the prestigious Best Sommelier competitions at both continental and world levels, drawing the finest talents in the field. If you enjoy celebrating drinks culture, you might also like National Beer Day, another occasion devoted to craft and appreciation.
Fun Facts About International Sommelier Day
- The ASI was founded on 3 June 1969 in Reims, France, the city at the centre of Champagne production.
- The term sommelier originally described an official in charge of transporting provisions, not wine.
- Sommeliers are responsible for far more than recommendations, including buying, cellar management, and staff training.
- The ASI runs Best Sommelier competitions that test blind tasting, service, and wine knowledge under intense pressure.
- Achieving the highest sommelier certifications is famously difficult, with pass rates among the lowest of any profession.
Why International Sommelier Day Matters
The day shines a light on a profession that quietly enhances countless dining experiences. Sommeliers preserve and share deep knowledge of regions, producers, and traditions, supporting growers and keeping wine culture alive. Celebrating them is also a celebration of hospitality, craftsmanship, and the simple pleasure of a well-chosen glass shared with good company.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is International Sommelier Day?
It is an annual day honouring sommeliers, the trained professionals who specialise in wine service and food pairing. It celebrates their expertise and the role they play in fine dining.
When is International Sommelier Day in 2027?
It falls on Thursday, 3 June 2027, the same fixed date it occupies every year.
Why is International Sommelier Day on 3 June?
The date marks the founding of the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale in Reims, France, on 3 June 1969.
Spread the Word
Join the celebration and share your favourite wine pairings and tasting photos on social media with #InternationalSommelierDay and #SommelierDay2027. Tag a sommelier who has made a meal memorable and raise a glass to their craft.
Related Awareness Days
- Albariño Day – A celebration of the crisp Spanish white grape, perfect for sommelier-led pairings.
- National Champagne Day – A fitting companion, given the day’s origins in the Champagne city of Reims.
- National Beer Day – Another drinks observance for lovers of craft and tradition.
Links
- Visit the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale website
- Explore more awareness days at AwarenessDays.com
Featured image: Photo by Caroline Attwood on Unsplash.
2026 Awareness Days Wall Planner
Every key awareness day at a glance. Perfect for offices, staff rooms, and team planning.
View Calendar →
