A huge congratulations to SASA vice-chairperson Spencer Fondaumiere for being the third sommelier in South Africa to achieve the prestigious ASI Certified Sommelier qualification, following Jean-Vincent Ridon and Joakim Blackadder.
He began his career as a chef in Nairobi in Kenya where he was born and raised, then moved to South Africa where his journey in wine truly begun. Since then Spencer has earned many qualifications and accolades, now adding the prestigious ASI Sommelier Diploma, the highest level offered by South African Sommeliers Association (SASA).
The International ASI Sommelier Diploma examination is held once a year and is one of the most grueling tests a sommelier can be exposed to with only a few hundred passes across the entire world to date. The exam covers all aspects of sommellerie, wine service, and tasting skills including theoretical knowledge of wine, beer, spirits, coffee, tea, water and food to name but a few.
Want to join Spencer's level as one of the most qualified sommeliers on the continent?
Enroll for the next SASA Level 1 Junior Sommelier Examination, follow it up with the SASA Level 2 Sommelier Examination before finally taking the third level, the International ASI Sommelier Diploma Examination.
SASA Level 1 and 2 exam dates
18 June 2019, Cape Town
21 June 2019, Johannesburg