It’s down to the wire. Tension and training are at their peak, and nerves stretched to the utmost. On 9 December 2024, it all comes to a head when an international panel of judges determines by live stream Southern Africa’s overall champion in the 2024 Ubuntu International Sommeliers Trophy.
The Ubuntu International Sommeliers Trophy is one of the wine industry’s most anticipated events, particularly this year. For the first time since its inception, the competition features three of Africa's best sommelier teams. This year, the battle of skills between the regular opponents Zimbabwe and South Africa has a new contender – Mauritius.
“The Ubuntu International Sommeliers Trophy brings together some of our most skilled professionals and is a brilliant showcase of the exceptional talent that defines local wine excellence,” says Elmarie Rabe, manager of the event's longtime sponsor and host, the Stellenbosch Wine Routes.
In addition to supporting the Ubuntu International Sommeliers Trophy, the organisation is a backer of several industry-wide projects for sommelier development.
“Sommeliers are a cornerstone to elevating South Africa’s hospitality and wine industry. Together with hospitality influencers, they’re vital ambassadors that bridge the gap between winemakers and consumers with their expertise in wine pairing, service, and storytelling. Their contribution shapes guest experiences, fosters a deeper appreciation for fine wine, and has the ability to promote Stellenbosch and its wines on the global stage,” she says.
A battle of epic proportions
The 2024 Ubuntu International Sommeliers Cup, organised by the Sommeliers Academy in partnership with the Stellenbosch Wine Routes, once again takes place at Stellenbosch's prestigious Lanzerac.
“We’re honoured to play host to this important event again,” says hotel general manager Emile Langenhoven. “Our commitment to delivering consistently high-calibre guest experiences aligns seamlessly with those embodied in the pursuits of the sommelier profession and the goals of the industry.”
With game-time on 9 December, the competition finale is to be live-streamed on the Sommeliers Academy's Facebook page.
Among the judges evaluating the performance of the contenders this year are Giuseppe Vaccarini of Italy, a former Best Sommelier of the World, and Michèle Chantome, vice president of the Association de la Sommellerie International (ASI).
Every competitor in the teams from South Africa, Mauritius, and Zimbabwe were selected by their respective national organisations.
On competition day, events kick off with the semi-final, which pits all 16 entrants against each other. The two best from each country go through to the final.
Each of the final six perform a series of tasks on stage, in front of a public audience. The tasks – the details of which are kept secret until the day of the event - cover service, pairing, sales, identification, theory and guest interaction.
The finalists won’t only be grilled on wine. In addition to Stellenbosch Wine Routes, the competition is co-sponsored by the Beer Association of South Africa and the South African Brandy Foundation. As such, competitors will also face questions represented by these organisations.
Mauritius and beyond
The competition organisers are very excited to welcome Mauritius to the fold. According to Sommeliers Academy founder Jean-Vincent Ridon, a veteran of the industry and 2023 Best Sommelier of South Africa, an invitation for Mauritius to participate came about through "organic growth".
"Mauritius is a member of the ASI in Southern Africa. I’m hoping they will be a permanent feature, as Mauritius remains a vital market for South African wines," he says.
The Ubuntu International Sommeliers Trophy is the only international sommelier contest in Africa and Middle East. Future plans are to expand the event to Kenya, Nigeria, and Congo – also key markets for South African wine.
Stellenbosch Wine Routes: championing sommelier excellence
Recognising the transformative impact of skills development, Stellenbosch Wine Routes partners with the South African Sommeliers Association (SASA) would like to formally to invest in the next generation of talent.
Competitions such as the Best Young Sommelier and Best Sommelier of South Africa are key platforms for nurturing emerging talent, as demonstrated this September when George Young of Vergenoegd Löw Wine Estate was named Best Young Sommelier of the Year. Alongside these events, training programmes like those offered by the Court of Master Sommeliers and the Sommelier Academy further empower professionals to refine their craft and inspire excellence across the industry.
“This partnership underscores Stellenbosch's commitment to world-class standards in wine and hospitality, positioning the region as a leader in innovation and quality,” says Elmarie.