Friday, 13 November, 2026
SA Sommeliers Association
Competing against 66 of the finest sommeliers from around the globe, Armand successfully advanced to the Quarterfinals, navigating high-pressure theoretical examinations, rigorous blind tastings, and world-class floor service tasks.
Armand was accompanied in Lisbon by Laurie Cooper, Chair of SASA. Together, they used this global platform to connect with leading figures in the international wine community and forge strong bonds with fellow African competitors, including candidate delegations from Zimbabwe and Kenya.
As South Africa prepares to host the ASI Contest Best Sommelier of Africa and Middle East in 2027, this trip served a double purpose:
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Candidate Growth: Gaining invaluable high-level competition experience on the global stage.
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Organizational Benchmarking: Observing the inner workings of an ASI world championship firsthand, bringing back crucial operational insights and inspiration to ensure South Africa delivers a world-class ASI competition in 2027.
Heartfelt Thanks to Our Sponsors & Community
This journey was a true collective effort, made possible by the unwavering generosity of our partners and community. We extend our deepest gratitude to:
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Vinimark & Mike Ratcliffe for their foundational financial backing and travel funding.
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The Chenin Blanc Association for their generous support via the Ina Smith Bursary, and artist Sumi Gous for donating sales from her #drinkchenin artworks.
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Every single individual and business donor who supported our BackaBuddy campaign and cheered Armand on throughout competition week.
Together, we put South African sommelier talent firmly on the global map!