News

Over the past two decades, the role of the sommelier in the Dominican Republic has ceased to be an unknown concept and has become a pillar of the national gastronomic culture. What began as a vocation limited to luxury hotels and specialty restaurants now represents a recognized, dynamic, and constantly growing career. The creation of the Dominican Sommelier Association (ADS) in 2003 marked a turning point in this evolution. Thanks to the vision of its founder, Maestro Pablo Díaz, and the work of successive generations of passionate professionals, Dominican sommelier expertise has gained a presence in international competitions, fostered ongoing training, and contributed to democratizing access to wine culture. The official incorporation of the ADS into the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI) in 2017 opened new doors for the country's sommeliers, consolidating their global reach and enabling their participation in high-level events such as the Best Sommelier of the Americas Competition and the World Sommelier Competition. Today, Dominican sommeliers not only know their wines but also master the art of pairing, service, communication, and wine and food management. From local restaurants to international stages, our professionals proudly represent the talent of the Caribbean. The progress we have made is cause for celebration, but also a call to continue strengthening this discipline. With more interested young people, a more conscious industry, and the institutional support of the ADS, Dominican sommeliers are ready to continue providing, with knowledge and elegance, a future full of opportunities.