Jo Wessels is participating for the very first time in an international ASI competition after winning the Moet & Chandon SASA Best Sommelier Competition of South Africa in 2018. Former SASA chairman Higgo Jacobs was with him to cheer him up and provide him last minute guidance. The tension was palpable, but Jo felt very at home among the best sommeliers of the world.
The program of the day started with a blind tasting of two wines, and the identification of three beverages served in black glasses. After a small break, candidates face a 22 page theory paper covering all the facets of sommellerie, from different cultivars of coffees to the new wine regions of China. An ego crusher to everyone.
Out of the 66 candidates, only 18 will reach the semi finals. Tuesday will be the second day of the tasks, focusing on service practicals.
Candidates will be facing tough conditions which will test their service skills within a limited time frame.
Jo seemed to be fairly confident after his first day. Two questions were on Vin de Constance, one of the SA iconic wines, and some candidates believe that the red wine may have been a Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon... the wines will only be disclosed on Friday at the end of the finals.
We wish Jo all the very best for this gruelling competition