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About ISG

Our History

International Sommelier Guild (ISG)

The International Sommelier Guild (ISG) is the world’s leading organization for professional sommelier training and certification.

What sets ISG apart is its comprehensive training program, which goes beyond wine knowledge to encompass a wide range of related disciplines. With a faculty of top industry experts and a modern, continuously updated curriculum aligned with real-world industry practices, ISG courses—whether in-person or online—share a single mission:

“To help professionals and wine enthusiasts build a solid career path, beginning with the achievement of the international Sommelier certification. From this foundation, learners can further specialize in fields such as enology, culinary nutrition, or international wine trade.”

International Sommelier Guild (ISG)

Founded in 1982 in North America, the International Sommelier Guild (ISG) has grown to become one of the world’s most influential organizations for sommelier education and certification. Over more than four decades, ISG has expanded its presence across the United States, Canada, South America, Asia, Europe, and Africa—building a global training network that meets the demand for highly skilled professionals in the international F&B and Hospitality industry.

With a fully developed and standardized curriculum, ISG offers learners flexible study options, including online, blended, and in-class formats. Its greatest distinction lies in delivering training in multiple local languages, enabling students in non-English-speaking countries to access specialized knowledge with the highest level of effectiveness.

ISG has officially established its presence in Vietnam—marking a significant milestone in building a new generation of internationally certified sommeliers, and contributing to the integration of Vietnam’s F&B and Hospitality industry into the global stage.

WHO IS ISGVN?

International Sommelier Guild Vietnam (ISGVN) is the official representative of ISG in Vietnam, providing professional sommelier training programs and certifications. With a hospitality-first philosophy, ISGVN aims to build a generation of sommeliers who are not only knowledgeable about wine, but also skilled in the art of service, beverage management, and creating customer experiences.

WHAT DOES ISGVN DO

ISGVN delivers a globally standardized training pathway, ranging from the Intermediate Wine Certificate (IWC) to the Advanced Wine Certificate (AWC), progressing toward the Sommelier Diploma, as well as ISGM & ISGM Degree. The program covers both knowledge and practical skills in wine, food pairing, F&B management, service techniques, and professional sensory evaluation. Learners can choose from multiple study formats: in-class, hybrid, or online combined with offline tasting and examinations.

HOW ISGVN IMPLEMENTS

All curricula and courses are maintained under a unified global standard of academics and examinations. At the same time, ISG will gradually implement bilingual English–Vietnamese instruction, along with Vietnamese learning materials and examinations. Starting from Month 13, Vietnamese instructors certified by ISG will directly deliver courses in Vietnamese in Vietnam, enhancing accessibility for local learners. In addition, the program integrates food pairing knowledge tailored to Vietnamese cuisine, aiming to develop sommeliers who are internationally qualified while remaining rooted in local identity.

VISION AND MISSION IN VIETNAM

ISGVN is committed to training a generation of Vietnamese sommeliers who meet international standards, contributing to the official integration of Vietnam’s F&B and Hospitality industry into the global arena. Guided by a hospitality-first philosophy and a comprehensive training program, ISGVN partners with both individuals and businesses to build competitive advantages, elevate service standards, increase revenue, and affirm the prestige of Vietnamese brands on the global culinary map.

Expert Faculty

Introduce the Faculty

All of our instructors possess a strong educational background in wine and have completed the Teacher Education Program (TEP), which is rigorously accredited by the International ISG Global Education Council.

Below is a summary of their academic credentials (only wine-related certifications are listed; other fields such as engineering or current occupations are not included). All instructors are either sommeliers at prestigious venues, educators, owners of wine education schools, or specialized authors.

With more than a decade of teaching and training experience across North America, Europe, and Asia, Inna Bykovskaya is one of ISG’s most respected instructors. Loved by her students for her deep expertise and engaging teaching style, she continues to inspire the next generation of sommeliers worldwide.

ISG AWC, WSET diploma

Inna Bykovskaya Senior Instructor
Inna Bykovskaya
I have been teaching for the International Sommelier Guild for nearly two decades and have had the opportunity to teach all over the world at many levels. 

While so many cultures differ, the love for food, family, wine, and the gathering together of friends binds them all together. I love exploring new cuisines and discovering both classic and modern wine pairings for them, yet one of my greatest joys is watching the success of his former students. 

The process of turning someone’s passion for wine into a dedicated practice and skillset is incredibly rewarding.

SG diploma, WSET3

Brian P. ScipioneSenior
Brian P. Scipione
Bringing the Sommelier Diploma Program to Brazil and translating it has been one of the greatest honors of my career. 

Having pursued multiple international diploma-level certifications, I am convinced the ISG curriculum stands out as the most profound and comprehensive. 

Guiding students through this journey and contributing to the development of future sommeliers is both a privilege and a passion.


ISG diploma, WSET diploma, AIS, SWE, Madeira expert certification, Sherry expert certification, FSG

Mário M. Lescano JrSenior
Mário M. Lescano Jr
Molly Madden grew up working beside her mother - restaurateur, chef and pioneer of the locavore movement. Her wine education has been a life's experience in kitchens, cellars, dining rooms and farms across the world. 

In the classrooms of ISG, Molly shares a world of wine which is tangible, reverent, humorous, and down-to-earth. She prepares our future wine industry leaders with the philosophy that service is a privilege and a gift, and that sommeliers are global ambassadors for humanity and joy.

ISG diploma

Molly MaddenSenior
Molly Madden
Teaching for ISG is the having the complete pack. I get to look at wine, beer, sake, spirits and liquors not only as beverages, but as an indelible part of human history. In the least, it is culture. At best, it is nourishment for the soul.

ISG Sommelier Diploma, WSET Diploma, ASI Diploma, SWE, Madeira Expert Certification, Sherry Expert Certification

Maurício CecconSenior
Maurício Ceccon
I love teaching ISG courses, helping people connect knowledge with confidence in the glass. Food, wine, and culture are living stories. Sharing those stories inspires me every day.

ISG diploma, WSET diploma

Chen JinqiangLecturer
Chen Jinqiang
Sharing my lifelong passion and study of wine within the professional sommelier community is both a rare opportunity and a profound privilege. 

Wine possesses a unique ability to connect cultures, histories, and people across the globe. To be a part of that—bringing communities together through a shared appreciation for this ancient craft—is a gift I am honored to embrace.

ISG diploma

Steven CampagnoloSenior
Steven Campagnolo
Teaching wine is about spreading its culture in Brazil and making it accessible to more people. Each glass is a journey through history, traditions, and terroirs of the world. It is my passion to connect people with these cultures one sip at a time.



ISG diploma, WSET diploma

Pedro FadanelliLecturer
Pedro Fadanelli
After decades of study, I found the perfect blend of theory and practice at ISG. It's certainly the best institution, and the most fulfilling part of my journey in the world of wine is being able to be an educator there.

ISG diploma, WSET diploma

Sergio MusolinoLecturer
Sergio Musolino
As an ISG instructor, Tatjana Iovko's teaching philosophy merges academic knowledge with the critical importance of hands-on service. She believes the ISG curriculum provides the essential tools to empower students to confidently connect with others about wine in any setting.

ISG AWC, WSET diploma

Tatjana IovkoLecturer
Tatjana Iovko
A senior sommelier, educator, and founder of Somelyer® in Istanbul, Selen Gözen is ISG’s sole instructor in Turkey. She introduced the country’s first international sommelier certification program, training over 1,800 students. With global experience and multiple awards, Selen is a driving inspiration for future hospitality professionals.

ISG Diploma, WSET3, translator of Jancis Robinson World of Wine Encyclopedia

Selen GozenLecturer
Selen Gozen
Driven by a passion for wine cultivated through extensive global travels, Dylan's mission is to connect academic knowledge with the vital importance of hands-on service. He believes this approach provides students with the essential tools to succeed in any professional or social setting.

ISG diploma

Dylan RickerLecturer
Dylan Ricker
It gives me great pleasure and satisfaction to see the spark in someone’s eye as I build that love and passion for wine.


ISG diploma

Mo AwadLecturer
Mo Awad
For me, wine education is about turning knowledge into experiences. Teaching ISG courses means I get to inspire people, help them taste the world, and give them confidence to share it with others. It’s not only about wine and food it’s about community, culture, and pure joy.



ISG AWC Diploma, WSET 3

Leanna NovikovaLecturer
Leanna Novikova
Passion... There is no other way for me to see wine. From the land to the resulting elixir, wine demonstrates and feeds passion everywhere. I personally love guiding students on this never-ending journey. 

Join us at the International Sommelier Guild, and be ready to feel the passion... the more you learn, the better you'll enjoy the road.



ISG AWC Diploma

Oscar FerminLecturer
Oscar Fermin
My passion for wine, food, and culture runs deep, and connecting those elements is at the heart of everything I do as a sommelier, wine director, and shop/bar owner. 

I love teaching wine courses because it allows me to share knowledge that empowers and inspires future sommeliers. Developing talent in this industry is deeply fulfilling-watching people grow their confidence and palate never gets old.



ISG diploma

Krysta ObanLecturer
Krysta Oban
Student's thoughts

What our students are saying!

Andrew Bentley, ISG Intermediate SommelierIda, MI 🇺🇲
"This is an amazing course! I'm working my way up to becoming a master sommelier, and this was the perfect starting point. I highly recommend it for anyone who loves wine."
Weyler Rocha Lima, ISG Intermediate SommelierRio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil 🇧🇷
"The online IWC course is a great introduction to the complex world of wine. The textbook is well written, lectures are structured, and feedback from tastings was invaluable. I highly recommend the IWC course!"
Burcu Bozkurt, ISG Intermediate SommelierAnkara, Turkey 🇹🇷
"Our teacher is a very professional instructor. She provided all the necessary information with friendly and comprehensive explanations."
Jessie Kittilsen, ISG MasterSanta Rosa, CA 🇺🇲
"The International Sommelier Guild offers excellent educational programs that really prepare and support an individual to make their place in the wine industry as a professional. Having this credential and knowledge helped open many doors for me. I highly recommend ISG’s Sommelier Diploma Program (SDP) as your choice of study.”
Alayna Brewer, ISG Advanced SommelierSaint Augustine, FL 🇺🇲
"I have thoroughly enjoyed taking the IWC online course through the International Sommelier Guild. I simply wanted to learn more about wine in general when I started the course. I was looking for an introduction to wine but what I got was a depth of knowledge and understanding. I now feel confident in my wine selection when ordering in a restaurant. I have chosen to continue my education with ISG and will take the AWC course next. I highly recommend this course for advancing your career in the wine industry."
Ronald Andrews, ISG Intermediate SommelierRuffin, SC 🇺🇲
"I am a Chef by trade. I have done more than 100 wine dinners and always strive to make each better than the last. This class will definitely help in that respect."
Chef Tina Kanter, ISG Intermediate SommelierMansfield, MA 🇺🇲
"The course was informative, comprehensive and challenging. The balance of theoretical and practical learning allowed me to learn at my own pace. I look forward to continuing with the AWC and SDP to further my career."
Jessie Kittilsen, ISG MasterSanta Rosa, CA 🇺🇲
"The International Sommelier Guild offers excellent educational programs that really prepare and support an individual to make their place in the wine industry as a professional. Having this credential and knowledge helped open many doors for me. I highly recommend ISG’s Sommelier Diploma Program (SDP) as your choice of study.”
Alayna Brewer, ISG Advanced SommelierSaint Augustine, FL 🇺🇲
"I have thoroughly enjoyed taking the IWC online course through the International Sommelier Guild. I simply wanted to learn more about wine in general when I started the course. I was looking for an introduction to wine but what I got was a depth of knowledge and understanding. I now feel confident in my wine selection when ordering in a restaurant. I have chosen to continue my education with ISG and will take the AWC course next. I highly recommend this course for advancing your career in the wine industry."
Ronald Andrews, ISG Intermediate SommelierRuffin, SC 🇺🇲
"I am a Chef by trade. I have done more than 100 wine dinners and always strive to make each better than the last. This class will definitely help in that respect."
Chef Tina Kanter, ISG Intermediate SommelierMansfield, MA 🇺🇲
"The course was informative, comprehensive and challenging. The balance of theoretical and practical learning allowed me to learn at my own pace. I look forward to continuing with the AWC and SDP to further my career."
Mark Hamouche, ISG Intermediate SommelierAmes, IA 🇺🇲
"Being from a major wine producing region, I appreciated learning the processes of wine production and the etiquettes of wine drinking. I recommend this course to anyone interested in wine."
Andrew Gould, ISG Intermediate SommelierHonolulu, HI 🇺🇲
"After researching and experiencing several college-level courses, this is by far the best online wine education in the world."
Nazli Ozlem Yorgancioglu, ISG Intermediate SommelierIzmir, Turkey 🇹🇷
"The training with Selen Hanım includes the essential steps to choose the right wine, understand technical tasting concepts, and create natural food and wine harmony. It's a broad topic and you’ll discover what appeals to you."

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Intermediate Wine Certification (IWC)

Ho Chi Minh City
Class: January 10 – January 13, 2026, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Exam: January 15, 2026

Da Nang
Class: January 16 – January 19, 2026, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Exam: January 21, 2026

Hanoi
Class: January 22 – January 25, 2026, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Exam: January 27, 2026

Advanced Wine Certification (AWC)

Ho Chi Minh City
Class: February 27 – March 6, 2026 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Exam: March 8, 2026

Ha Noi
Class: March 7 – March 14, 2026 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Exam: March 16, 2026

Da Nang
Class: March 18 – March 25, 2026 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Exam: March 27, 2026

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