Spencer Fondaumiere, the esteemed chairman of the South African Sommeliers Association (SASA), shared his sentiments ahead of the competition, saying: "We are incredibly proud of all the participants who have shown exceptional skill and knowledge. Advancing to the semi-finals is a testament to your hard work and passion for the industry."
He added: "We look forward to witnessing your continued excellence in the upcoming rounds."
Below are the brilliant young sommeliers who showcased their skills, unique stories, and profound love for wine.
The semi-finalists
Western Cape competitors
Gauteng competitors
- Tumelo Moreo of Shortmarket Club
- Lethabo Mothwa of Marriott Hotel Melrose Arch
- Amos Sobashe, wine consultant
- Bazil Cass of The Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa
The grand finale of the Best Young Sommelier competition will take place on Wednesday, 11 September 2024 in Stellenbosch.
The Best Young Sommelier competition is generously supported by our sponsors: Stellenbosch Wine Routes, Winterhalter and Amorim Cork.
To stay tuned to all the action, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
For further details or any queries, please feel free to reach out to us at info@sommeliers.org.za. For brand partnerships and sponsorships, please contact SASA general manager Erica Taylor at erica@uncorkified.com.