South African Sommeliers Association (SASA) excited to announce the important dates that you can add to your diary for February and March 2024, details below:
1. SASA Introductory Sommelier Certificate Exams
This certification is aimed at any service professional looking to learn the basic skills of professional beverage service. Will require a basic knowledge of wine, South African wine regions and wine service.
SASA Introductory Sommelier Certificate - CAPE TOWN
- Date: 26 February 2024
- Venue: The Wine Library, Culture Wine Bar, 103 Bree Street, Cape Town
- Time: 10h00 - 12h00
- Cost: R500
SASA Introductory Sommelier Certificate - JOHANNESBURG
- Date: 26 February 2024
- Venue: Thathu, Unit 3, Illovo Junction, 178 Oxford Road, Illovo, Johannesburg
- Time: 10h00 - 12h00
- Cost: R500
To book, click HERE.
2. ASI Diploma Exam
- Date: 4 March 2024
- Venue: The Wine Library, Culture Wine Bar, 103 Bree Street, Cape Town
- Time: 10h00 - 12h00
- Cost: R7 500
More about the ASI Diploma
This exam is the highest level offered internationally by the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI). It is formed around self-study with supportive mentoring from senior SASA members. It is an outcome-based level where the only requirement is to pass the examination set by ASI. The ASI diploma exam is held on the same day all over the world once a year. Since its inception, less than 500 people all over the world have successfully passed.
How it works:
- A practical dining room scenario
- A blind tasting
- A theory test
- Practical food and wine pairing scenario.
- Role-playing scenario
- Short dissertation
All of the above potentially encompass the whole world of wine and other beverages such as spirits, cocktails, teas, coffee, sake, cigars, cheese, etc.
A theory level in line with WSET Level 4 or the Court of Master Sommeliers Advanced Sommelier Certificate is preferred.
This examination is held annually in South Africa, with successful candidates awarded the ASI International Sommelier Diploma. There are levels of the diploma Gold, Silver, and Bronze. It is preferred that the exam is done in the candidates' second language however if it is done in the candidates' home language, the highest diploma they can achieve is bronze regardless of how well they perform.
Costings
Exam: R7 500
Annual membership: R500 (must be a SASA member to sit the exam)
To become a SASA member, click HERE.
3. SASA Fundraiser Auction 2024
Join us on 20 March at Grub and Vine Norval for an exclusive evening at our Fundraiser Auction. With tickets at R850 per person, your participation directly contributes to advancing sommeliers in the South African wine industry and promoting South African wines.
- Date: 20 March 2024
- Venue: Grub and Vine Norval, 4 Steenberg Road, Tokai, Cape Town
- Time: 18h00 - 22h00
- Cost: R850 pp
Auction highlights
Prepare to be enthralled by the opportunity to bid on some of the most coveted items, including:
- Sine Qua Non Cumulus Vineyard Next of Kyn No 7 2013 Magnum – a rare gem valued at R15 000
- Masseto Toscana 2013 – an Italian masterpiece with a value of R12 000
- Chateau d'Yquem Sauternes 1998 – A luxurious sweet wine valued at R5,500
- Brandy Blending Experience with a Brandy Expert at KWV (for 4 people) – Includes a collection of 12, 15, and 20 Year Old Brandy, valued at R9 600
- Graham Beck Vintage Collection Trio Gift Pack – Featuring Pinot Noir Rosé 2018, Blanc de Blancs 2018, Ultra Brut 2017, valued at R1 200.
This is your chance to acquire exclusive wines and experiences while supporting a noble cause.
Email Minette at info@sommeliers.org.za to RSVP.