Team South Africa triumphed in Ubuntu Sommeliers Trophy competition on Monday, 5 December. Starting the day with seven semi-finalists, then three finalists were announced that made up team South Africa that would compete against team Zimbabwe:
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Janine van Zyl, New World account executive at First Pour
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George Young, sommelier at Oldenburg Vineyards in Stellenbosch
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Stefan Reinmuth, head sommelier at Oldenburg Vineyards in Stellenbosch
Team South Africa and Zimbabwe took the stage in front of wine and restaurant industry professionals competing in five tasks MCC service, a cocktail challenge, a blind tasting, a food and wine pairing, and an oral wine examination.
Team South Africa was victorious! Stefan and George are both from Oldenburg Vineyards, Stellenbosch, and have recently also achieved SASA’s highest certification - the SASA Sommelier Certificate on the 29th of November, 2022. Janine is the New World Account Executive at First Pour, with over 13 years in the drinks and hospitality industry team.
The fabulous Lanzerac Wine Estate, in partnership with Stellenbosch Wine Routes, has been the venue for the Ubuntu Sommeliers Trophy since the beginning. Without the Sommeliers Academy's dedication, this competition would not be possible.
SASA chairperson Spencer Fondaumiere said, “What a fantastic way to end an amazing year! All of our candidates who put their hand up to compete at Ubuntu have done us proud. Once again we had an overwhelming entry list and so many did so well, that we were once again compelled to expand our semi-final list. The increasing level of interest in competitions is encouraging and is growing proportionally to our increasing membership and certifications. It is a really incredible season for the organisation
The panel of international judges:
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Giuseppe Vaccarini, ASI Best Sommelier of the World, President of ASPI (Professional Sommeliers of Italy association), Director of the ASI Exam Committee
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Michèle Chantôme, ASI Ambassador, ASI Vice President
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Carine Patricio, Best Sommelier of Portugal, ASI Sommelier
The panel of local judges:
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Joseph Dhafana - SASA Certified Sommelier - Manager of MOSI wines - Captain of Team Zimbabwe
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Neil Tabraham - SASA Certified Sommelier - Sommeliers Academy partner
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Higgo Jacobs - ASI Director of "By-Laws" - Wine Auctioneer - SASA Founder
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Shane Mumba, SASA Board Member
To take a look at the competition and the SASA awards ceremony - click HERE
For more information please reach out to us at info@sommeliers.org.za