Vietnam’s F&B Industry to Welcome a Globally Recognized Certification in Sommelier & F&B Management  09:41, 06/09/2025

What is a Sommelier?

A Sommelier is often known as a “wine expert.” However, the role goes far beyond wine recommendations. A professional Sommelier must possess deep knowledge of wine, beer, spirits, sake, cider… while mastering the art of pairing (food and beverage matching), managing cellars, designing wine lists for restaurants, and directly creating refined dining experiences for guests.

In developed markets, the Sommelier is an indispensable position in fine dining establishments and 5-star hotels. They serve as both the bridge between diners and cuisine, and as a key factor in elevating brand value and service quality.

In Vietnam, alongside the rapid growth of the F&B and hospitality industries (restaurants and hotels), the demand for professional Sommeliers is steadily increasing. As a result, many professionals in this field are now beginning to pursue Sommelier studies and certifications.

ISG – The World’s Leading Organization for Sommelier Education & Certification

International Sommelier Guild (ISG), founded in 1982 in North America, is renowned as a pioneering institution in wine and beverage education with a hospitality-first approach—prioritizing customer experience and practical application in real-world settings.

Unlike many programs that focus primarily on theory, ISG has developed a comprehensive learning system that integrates academic knowledge with practical skills such as enology (the science of winemaking), food and wine pairing, beverage management and business, international service standards, as well as in-depth expertise in spirits, sparkling wines, fortified wines, beer, cider, and sake.

With this philosophy, ISG trains Sommeliers who are not merely wine servers, but true professionals capable of creating exceptional dining experiences and elevating culinary service to new heights.

ISG’s Comprehensive Training Programs

The ISG curriculum is designed with a rigorous, standardized framework, progressing from foundational to advanced levels. The main programs include:

• IWC (Intermediate Wine Certificate): Provides a strong foundation of knowledge and practical skills, serving as a comprehensive first step that enables students to begin working immediately in restaurant and hotel environments.
  
• AWC (Advanced Wine Certificate): Expands specialized knowledge of global wines, beverage management, analytical skills, and advanced service techniques.
• SDP (Sommelier Diploma Program): A complete program focused on training professional Sommeliers with strong capabilities in management, teaching, and leadership.
• ISGM (International Sommelier Guild Master – Diploma): The highest level of ISG certification, offering a comprehensive focus on wine, beverages, management, and the art of service. This prestigious credential is designed for those aspiring to become internationally recognized Sommeliers.
  

All study materials and examinations at ISG are developed by the Academic Council and applied consistently worldwide. Exams are standardized and administered across multiple countries and languages, ensuring that results carry the same value and quality no matter where they are earned.

Benefits for Individuals and Businesses

For individuals, ISG certification is regarded as a “professional passport” to enter the global F&B and hospitality industry. With ISG credentials, graduates can confidently apply for positions at 5-star hotels, fine dining restaurants, cruise lines, or international wine and beverage companies. More importantly, they are equipped with practical skills, service-oriented thinking, and professional demeanor—factors that create sustainable competitive advantages.

For businesses, having a workforce certified by ISG brings direct benefits, including:

• Increasing beverage revenue—particularly in high-margin product categories.
• Enhancing service standards, thereby improving customer satisfaction and loyalty.
• Strengthening brand reputation and building competitive advantages in an increasingly globalized market.

ISG to Officially Launch in Vietnam

Vietnam is currently one of the most dynamic markets in Asia, with its tourism and culinary industries increasingly recognized on the global stage. The presence of ISG in Vietnam will not only create opportunities for individuals passionate about the Sommelier profession, but also help develop a new generation of internationally qualified Vietnamese Sommeliers—contributing to the integration of Vietnam’s F&B and hospitality industries into the global arena.

In the near future, ISG Sommelier Vietnam (ISGVN) will introduce a complete training pathway, from the Intermediate Wine Certificate (IWC) to the Advanced Wine Certificate (AWC), leading up to the Sommelier Diploma, alongside a program to develop local instructors. This ensures that Vietnamese students can immediately access international programs in their own language, while maintaining the same standardized quality as in any other country.

The arrival of ISG in Vietnam marks an important milestone for the F&B sector. With its comprehensive training system, hospitality-first philosophy, and globally recognized certifications, ISG will cultivate a new generation of Sommeliers—professionals fully capable of serving domestic customers while proudly representing Vietnam on the international culinary map.