Sommeliers: Redefining Vietnam’s Culinary Scene

Text: Phuong Maxy

Vietnam’s new wave of sommeliers is doing more than pouring wine—they’re uncorking culture. With deep roots in tradition and a refined global outlook, these tastemakers are redefining how the world experiences Vietnamese cuisine.

In Vietnam’s evolving culinary landscape, a quiet revolution is underway. No longer just a figure in high-end hotels, the sommelier is becoming a cultural ambassador, guiding diners through stories of terroir and tradition, and reshaping how luxury is experienced in Vietnamese fine dining.

A New Face of Luxury

Today, luxury in dining is no longer defined by grandeur, but by experience—by the emotional resonance of a thoughtfully curated moment. Vietnamese sommeliers, with their cultural fluency and technical mastery, are leading this transformation. Their influence extends beyond recommending the right bottle; they shape how guests engage with food, place, and memory.

A sommelier in Vietnam now brings more than expertise—they bring narrative. Each pairing connects diners to a story: a French vineyard, an Australian valley, or a subtle memory evoked by local spices. This new lens on luxury is driven by authenticity and a renewed appreciation for connection.

From Obscurity to Recognition

Just a decade ago, sommeliers were rare in Vietnam outside international hospitality. Today, they are emerging as vital figures in the local dining scene. The relaunch of the Vietnam Sommelier Association (VSA) in early 2025 marked a key milestone. Once a tight-knit group of enthusiasts, the association now has 163 official members, with 72 holding international certifications.

“Vietnamese sommeliers are stepping into the spotlight,” says Tu Le Huy, President of the VSA. “We’re not just building careers; we’re shaping a cultural identity.”

Industry recognition is following suit. Guides like Michelin and Tatler Dining now honour Vietnam’s top sommeliers, acknowledging their role in elevating the dining experience.

Sommeliers as Cultural Curators

What distinguishes Vietnamese sommeliers is their dual fluency—in global wine culture and in the nuances of Vietnamese cuisine. They bridge worlds. From a delicate lotus salad to a bowl of braised pork, each dish finds new voice when paired with a carefully selected wine. This intersection is where the magic happens. A Rhône red adds depth to caramelised pork. A crisp Sauvignon Blanc elevates a herbaceous gỏi. The result is not simply taste, but narrative—a shared cultural moment.

Elevating Vietnamese Cuisine Globally

Beyond enhancing domestic palates, sommeliers are taking Vietnamese cuisine to the global stage. Through wine dinners, international events, and chef collaborations, they are telling a new story: that Vietnamese food, with its complexity and soul, deserves a seat at the world’s fine dining table.

“Vietnam has long been celebrated for its street food,” says Le Hoang Khanh Vi, Vice President of the VSA. “Now we’re showing the world that it also belongs in refined settings—and wine is a beautiful bridge.”

A Taste of What’s to Come

As Vietnam’s gastronomic profile rises, sommeliers are emerging as storytellers and stewards of a new definition of luxury—one that values experience over excess, connection over display. With each pairing, they offer guests not just a meal, but a lens into culture, craftsmanship, and identity.

In their hands, wine is more than a drink. It is a journey, a dialogue, and perhaps most importantly, a powerful way to share the best of Vietnam with the world.