The American Sommelier Association

Proudly Announces the

Best Sommelier in America 2009

Michael Engelmann

Gary Danko , San Francisco

Aldo Sohm the Best Sommelier in America 2007 has passed the torch Monday April 6, 2009 at Jumeirah's Essex House

Fernando Beteta, M.S. of NoMi in Chicago First Runner Up

Inez Ribustello of On the Square in Tarboro, NC Second Runner Up

Hristo Zisovski of Restaurant Jean Georges, NYC Third Runner Up

2009 Best Sommelier in America Candiadtes

The American Sommelier Association is a non-profit national organization dedicated to wine education and to the support of its members as well as the American sommelier industry.

The association is comprised of local chapters through out the United States with its headquarters in New York City. Depending on their size and location, chapters conduct classes, meetings, tastings, and social events supporting wine education and the appreciation and enjoyment of wine.

The organization’s chapters are dedicated to improving the level of wine service in their local area by:

• Raising the level of wine knowledge of the community through education, training, and advising.
• Offering sommelier certification for qualified candidates via the highly respected Certificate Course Series.
• Developing a thriving “wine community.”
• Providing a local forum for a dialogue about wine.
• Promoting the enjoyment and appreciation of wine!

The American Sommelier Association provides three wine education courses: beginner (Foundation Course), intermediate (Viticulture and Vinification Course), and advanced (Advanced Blind Tasting).