Welcome to the Sake Sommelier of the Year

The Sake Sommelier of the Year competition was the first event of its kind held outside Japan.
Japanese sake has been enjoying a surge in popularity in the last decade and is now enjoyed the world over. Sake is celebrated and appreciated in the same vein as fine wine. The competition aims to find the world’s most skilful Sake Sommeliers®. Organised by the Sake Sommelier Association®, the Sake Sommelier of the Year® platform provides the perfect opportunity for sommeliers to build their confidence and raise their profile in the industry.

Apply for the 2025 Sake Sommelier of the Year

UK

The Sake Sommelier of the Year was held from 2013-2018 in London, home of SSA HQ. The UK editions of the event were organised alongside the London Sake Challenge

Malaysia

In 2019 the Sake Sommelier of the Year was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Hosted by Danny Leong, the event was hosted at the Japanese Ambassador's residence

North America

The Sake Sommelier of the Year - North America 2024 is taking place in Arkansas, USA; alongside the Craft Sake Fest hosted by SBANA

Organisers

The SAKE SOMMELIER OF THE YEAR is organised by the Sake Sommelier Association (SSA) promoting sake education globally. Based in London, the SSA is fully committed to promoting global education of sake with a classic sommelier training, as well as exciting projects such as the regional Sake Challenges and the Sake Sommelier of the Year competition.

sake sommelier association
In the year 2000 the Sake Sommelier Association (SSA) became the first organisation to offer formalised sake education outside of Japan. Today, the SSA provides sake courses for everyone from beginners & enthusiasts to masters! The SSA operates Sake Sommelier education through a network of Sake Educators in over 60 countries across 6 continents.
As well as providing sake education, the SSA organises sake competitions and events aimed at promoting global awareness & appreciation of sake. Through all these activities the SSA aims to connect sake connoisseur and breweries both inside & outside of Japan, creating worldwide ties to share and celebrate the wonderful culture of sake.

Contact Us

For more information about the competition and other SSA activities please visit www.sakesommelierassociation.com or email info@sakesommelierassociation.com