Semi-finalists for the Best Sommelier of South Africa in partnership with Stellenbosch Wine Route

Monday, 23 August, 2021
SASA
The quarter-finals came down to fractions of a point, with the following candidates scoring over 90%, so we have decided to move forward with seven semi-finalists this year.

Laurie Cooper

Wikus Human

  • Court of Masters Certified Sommelier
  • Head Sommelier Marble and Saint Restaurant
  • Moët & Chandon Best Young Sommelier 2017

Tayla Skye Kirschner

  • SASA Junior Sommelier
  • WSET Level 3
  • Cape Wine Academy, certificate level
  • First runner up for the Moët & Chandon Best Young Sommelier in SA 2019
  • Represented SA in the Ubuntu Sommeliers trophy 2020
  • Works at "A Bunch Of Buddies"

Lovejoy Neshamba

Stefan Reinmuth

  • SASA Junior Sommelier
  • WSET 3 Certified (WSET Diploma, in process)
  • Brand Ambassador at Oldenburg Vineyards
  • Host of 'Blackout: Stage Wine' on Instagram

Jean Vincent Ridon

  • ASI Sommelier Diploma
  • SASA Sommelier
  • Two-time finalist Best Sommelier in South Africa
  • Quarter-finalist Best Sommelier of Europe and Africa.
  • Author of “Passion for Pairing”
  • Working at Sommeliers Academy

Roxan Waldeck

  • SASA Sommelier
  • WSET Level 3
  • Best Sommelier Semi-Finalist 2016
  • Michael Fridjhon Wine Judging Academy
  • Independent - Wine and hospitality facilitator

These sommeliers will join us at Blaauwklippen Vineyards on Wednesday the 15th of September for closed-door semi-finals, where they will be tested on theory, blind tasting, and food and wine pairing.

At 13h30, we will kick off the live-stream, main stage event hosted by the charismatic Guy McDonald, where three finalists will be announced and compete in front of our esteemed panel of international and local judges.

 

JUDGES