This letter then comes perhaps a bit belated, admittedly. Both as an organisation in its whole and as the chairman in isolation, we have reeled from this blow. Plans for nationwide tastings evaporated. The largest number of sommelier students scheduled to be examined to date now near impossible. A newly rolled out collaborative joint education framework postponed indefinitely. Countless of our members retrenched or on pay cuts and our entire industry on the brink of collapse. How could we not be despondent?
But then I remembered that people must eat. And I recalled that cliche often stuck up on so many restaurant walls quoting that “A meal without wine is like a day without sunshine”. In a world of uncertainty we all crave some normality and even though the restaurant industry might never look the same again it certainly will not go away. In a recent article in Forbes the author and critic John Mariani tells of how after many great tragedies the restaurant industry was often the first and fastest to bounce back. And goes on to predict that our industry will not only survive but thrive in the post pandemic economy.
Although it's hard to see it right now, in the long run, we might just be better off for it. With a light shone sharply on the razor thin margins that so many of our business operate on and the unsustainability of large retailers aggressive price cutting we might just see a more informed patron in the future. More willing to pay a fair price for the opportunity to enjoy a well prepared meal in a carefully curated environment paired with a renewed appreciation of our locally produced wines and served by our experienced and knowledgeable staff. Only time will tell.
But it’s not going to be easy. Many of us, our friends, and our colleagues are going to lose their jobs or their businesses or at the very least find their lives massively disrupted. As we all wait with baited breath for the hallowed level 3 to be announced so we can get our wine order before we drink that sacred bottle of wine, that one we’ve been saving for a special occasion, which is really too expensive to just open on a Tuesday in front of the TV, but there’s nothing else left in the house. Before we do that, let’s use this opportunity to strengthen our community. At a distance of course.
Some of you already have, and we are working through them, but we encourage more of you to please come forward with any suggestions of how we can help each other in this time. Please message us on Facebook, email our offices or contact one of your chapter representatives in the Cape Winelands or Cape Town. Their contact details below.
In an effort to grow our reach and promote our profession throughout South Africa we are also looking for nominations for regional chapter heads. From Gauteng to KZN, all the way up the Garden Route and everywhere in between, if you feel there is a need for an organised local community of sommeliers and wine professionals and are willing to head up our efforts on the ground or know of someone who would be please let us know. By building a network of professionals throughout South Africa we can ensure that sommellerie thrives when the sun comes out again.
We would like to take this time to thank Jean-Vincent Ridon for his efforts on the board to date and announce that he will be stepping down to focus his efforts on preparing to potentially take part in the “Best Sommelier of Europe and Africa” taking place in Cyprus later this year.
Think that you have what it takes to represent South Africa on an international stage? Candidates who have at any time in the past placed in the top three in our national best sommelier contests, and are able to compete in a recognised second language, can register to take part in the qualifying round taking place within the coming months by contacting our offices no later 01 June. Register Now.
JV is replaced by Gosia Zielinska who currently heads up the team at the Test Kitchen and who’s excited to bring some fresh new energy to the board with yet another rose amongst the now dwindling thorns.
Upcoming Dates: SASA level 1 and 2 Exams
October 2020
Venue TBC
Exact time and date to be confirmed closer to the time
Annual General Meeting
Monday 20 July
Venue TBC
Pending lockdown regulations but online facilities will be available
Contacts: Erica Taylor - Cape Town Coordinator | capetown@sommeliers.org.za
Denzel Swarts - Winelands Coordinator | winelands@sommeliers.org.za
SASA Offices
admin@sommeliers.org.za | Tell: +27.210125367 | Unit 6b The Woodmill LIfestyle Centre Vredenburg Road Devon Valley Stellenbosch