The ISA (AIS in Italian - Associazione Italiana Sommeliers), Italian Sommeliers Association, was founded on July 7th 1965, from Jean Valenti, sommelier of French origin called in Italy from Angelo Pozzi for his famous Milan restaurant. It is the foremost authority in wine education and Sommelier services in Italy.

In 1973, with Italian Presidential decree, the Association obtained the official legal acknowledgment of the Italian government.

Globally, it is part of the W.S.A, 'World Sommelier Association', recognized officially worldwide. It is the largest Sommelier Association in the world, with extremely high curriculum and quality service standards as well as political weight. 

Recently opened in the United States through the branches of California, New York and Washington DC between 2005 and 2008, the ISA is the utmost educational and consulting authority on Italian wines but, as any respected and official Sommelier association, is absolutely not limited to Italy.

Working in close cooperation with international airlines, international hotel chains, significant wine glass producers, restaurants, wineries, chambers of commerce and a vast array of clients, the ISA's mindset is generally broader than most associations. Our mission is to train, educate and prepare professional "wine experts" as a whole, not limited to the restaurant. We believe the wine & spirits industry is changing and a wider view, preparation and competence of the beverage & hospitality industry is essential.

ISA Sommeliers include journalists, TV personalities, wholesalers, winemakers, retailers, viticulturists, university teachers and naturally...restaurant professionals.

The association carries 2 uniforms, one for representation and one for service, in order to properly differentiate the tasks of our qualified global "wine experts". 

Through its partner publishing co. Bibenda, the ISA (AIS) publishes numerous course books, a monthly magazine and a yearly wine guide "Duemilavini" which has become, in Italy, the most distinctive wine guide for Italian wines.

The aim of the association, as recited in the first article of the charter is:

“...to qualify the character and the profession of the Sommelier and to add value to the culture of the wine within the world of food&beverage as a whole, not limited to restaurants and hotels only. It therefore will carry out every activity from communication activities to the organization of events, training of personnel and consulting. The Association is of cultural, didactic, and editorial character, for promoting the knowledge and consumption of wine and all alcoholic beverages, with a strong emphasis on food pairing based on proper chemical and stylistic matching,  in order to heighten the quality of gastronomy appreciation in Italy and abroad, taking direct care of the professional preparation of sommeliers and staff”.