It is often difficult to talk wine service in South Africa without mentioning Zimbabweans. They have long since formed a formidable coterie where individual success would translate into a collective uplifting of the group. When the Sommeliers Association of Zimbabwe was formed, adopting the diaspora was only natural, especially in South Africa where most of them are plying their trade. Formalising what has always been an informal sect is now a reality and Sommeliers from Zimbabwe have responded positively by joining the group en masse from the likes of Victoria Falls, Botswana, New Zealand and the Netherlands etc.
In line with the association rules, the first global General Assembly was held online and the event attracted 27 members of the group from three continents and a board of directors was elected to kick-start and oversee the process of having the Sommeliers Association of Zimbabwe join the rest of the world on the world sommeliers' table. The following is the leadership list voted in at the recently held online event.
Carey-Ann Brown is the Chairperson as well as sommelier educator in Harare.
Tawanda Marume is the Vice-Chairperson and will oversee affairs in South Africa while Gregory Mutambe has been roped in to assume the Secretary General post.
Admire Wakwa will be tasked with Treasury duties and Dube Tafadzwa will be in charge of the education portfolio.
Popular Tinashe Nyamudoka will have his hands full managing all Communication as well as supervising the recruitment.
On the other end, Jean Vincent Ridon who is Zimbabwean at heart will be in charge of the Best Sommelier of Zimbabwe contest and the liaison with the sommeliers of the world. With Jean Vincent being on the ASI examination committee, it will add great value to the group. The first task at hand will be to unify the sommeliers and try and embrace their individual talentsm, ensuring working together for a common cause.
The board is busy formally applying to the ASI (the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale), hoping it will earn them a prestigious invitation to best Sommelier of Europe and Africa contest due to be held Cyprus in November 2020. This would be the first time a sommelier from Zimbabwe would compete on this international scene. Times are really bad for everyone. What with Zimbabwe’s economic crisis coupled with the current ravaging pandemic, it is important that unity abides amongst Zimbabwe sommeliers so they can share support and speak with one voice and inspire a new generation who will carry the baton with honour and pride. An original team of 27 members is no small feat and they will immediately start liaising with not only ASI but the Court of Sommeliers, the South African Sommeliers Association, Sommeliers Academy, WSET and Cape Wine Academy to help positioning themselves in the global scene.
The Sommelier Association of Zimbabwe is open to all sommeliers, aspiring sommeliers, wine lovers and supporters regardless of where they are based.
For more information, one can make an enquiry on info@zimsomms.com