The prestigious Court of Master Sommeliers (CMS) exams were held from 8-10 September 2024 at the stunning L'Avenir Wine Estate in Stellenbosch, marking another milestone in the development of the African wine industry. This year's programme saw impressive results, with a 64% pass rate for the Introductory Sommelier Certificate and a 50% pass rate for the Certified Sommelier Certificate. Notably, the event added two new Certified Sommeliers to the African continent, reinforcing the growing expertise within the region.
The CMS programme, which has become a beacon of professional excellence for sommeliers, owes much of its success to the unwavering support of key partners: the South African Sommeliers Association, Stellenbosch Wine Routes, and L'Avenir Wine Estate.
In reflecting on the journey, Yasmine Kazadi shared: "In 2019, Chenin Noir embarked on a mission to bring the Court of Master Sommeliers programme to Africa, with the aim of making education and professional growth accessible to sommeliers across the continent. None of this would have been possible without the incredible support of our partners: SASA, Stellenbosch Wine Routes, wine.co.za, and our Cape Town home, L'Avenir. Your unwavering partnership over the past four years has been vital to our success, and we are deeply grateful."
Acknowledging our key partners
South African Sommelier Association
The South African Sommeliers Association (SASA) has been instrumental in fostering the growth of the sommelier profession in South Africa. Their commitment to education and professional development within the hospitality and wine industries has been key to the programme's success. We are deeply thankful for their continuous efforts to uplift sommeliers through advocacy, training, and support.
Stellenbosch Wine Route
As one of the most celebrated wine routes in the world, Stellenbosch Wine Routes plays a pivotal role in showcasing the best of South African wine culture. Their involvement brings immense credibility and exposure to the programme. We extend our sincere gratitude for their ongoing partnership and their commitment to advancing the sommelier profession.
L'Avenir Wine Estate
L'Avenir Wine Estate, our gracious host, provided the perfect backdrop for the CMS exams. Known for its excellent wines and stunning vineyards, L'Avenir has been a true partner, offering its venue and hospitality to ensure the success of this prestigious event. We are incredibly thankful for their support and collaboration, helping to create a memorable experience for all participants.
wine.co.za
wine.co.za remains a valued media partner since inception. The wine media company has been publishing millions of pages for and about the South African wine industry since 1996. We are deeply grateful for the exposure they give us on their platform.
Looking ahead: CMS Programme 2025
The dates for the 2025 Court of Master Sommeliers programme have been confirmed, providing another opportunity for sommeliers to pursue their professional certifications. The next session will take place from 7-9 September 2025, once again in Stellenbosch.
As we plan for 2025, the contributions of our key partners remain invaluable to the continued success and growth of the programme. Their commitment to excellence, education, and the future of the African wine industry will continue to be a driving force.
For more information on the CMS programme and to register for the 2025 programme, please contact us at education@cehninnoir.co.za.