13/10/2026
The ASI Gerard Basset Lifetime Achievement Award recipient is Michèle Chantôme, affectionately known as the “godmother of sommeliers”. Over her career, Chantôme has helped professionals find recognition, opportunity and a sense of belonging within the international sommelier community. Through competitions, professional certification, advocacy and personal encouragement, she has championed both excellence and the human relationships at the heart of hospitality.
Her connection to the profession began in the 1960s, when her public relations work for Cognac and Ch*****ne houses brought her into contact with hospitality school teachers and involved her in organising competitions. That involvement grew through the Ruinart Trophy, first in France and later across Europe, where she worked closely with national sommelier associations and ASI. She also encouraged the creation of numerous national associations, helping to extend the profession’s international reach.
“It’s been a beautiful adventure,” Chantôme reflected in an interview with ASI. “Over this time, many fantastic encounters have been had, and deep friendships have been born.”
Having worked with and represented ASI internationally since the 1980s, Chantôme has held numerous positions within the association, including Secretary General, director of various committees and regional Vice-President. During William Wouters’ current tenure as President of ASI, Chantôme was named ASI Ambassador. In this role, she has advocated for the global sommelier community, bringing together professionals from around the world.
Chantôme has also been a champion of education. Alongside the ASI Exams and Education Committee, she has supported the development and implementation of the ASI Diploma, ASI Certification levels and, most recently, a new preparatory level. These initiatives help lay the foundations for the long-term success of sommellerie, particularly in emerging markets where access to sommelier education is more limited.
**e ASI - Association de la Sommellerie Internationale
Photo credit: ASI
