The South African Sommeliers Association (SASA) held its annual general meeting (AGM) on 20 April. After five years of stellar service, Esmé Groenewald will be stepping off the board. She has been an instrumental figure in the organisation and as she departs we celebrate the many things that have been achieved.
Taking her place on the board is Best Young Sommelier finalist Le Roi van de Vyver: " I'm excited to be part of such an amazing team striving to improve the Sommelier industry in South Africa."
SASA's new administrative board
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Spencer Fondaumiere: Chairperson
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Wayve Kolevsohn: Vice Chair and Education Committee
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Laurie Cooper: Treasurer and General Secretary
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Shane Mumba: Member
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Le Roi van de Vyver: Member
A word from the chairperson, Spencer Fondaumiere: “What an incredible year it has been for SASA, we can look back with great pride on what we have been able to achieve. It is incredibly exciting to have somebody of Le Roi’s pedigree join the board. We now have two finalists from the Best Young Somm competition on the board. It is a great indicator of the future of the organisation. On behalf of the board, I would like to sincerely thank Esmé for her tireless commitment to SASA and wish her well in her next chapter."
A few other highlights from the AGM
SASA has raised over R350 000 in the first quarter of 2022, thanks to the title sponsorship from the Stellenbosch Wine Routes and a successful fundraising auction.
In January 2022, Erica Taylor was named head of operations for the organisation, and Dani Brown has joined as the new SASA administrator, working closely with the HOO and the board.
SASA has secured new partnership and member benefits
Stellenbosch Wine Routes
- Free access to Regional benchmark tastings (first come, first serve).
- Access to bi-monthly job emails
The Wine Library
The Wine Library at Culture Wine Bar in Bree Street, Cape Town offers SASA members the following benefits:
- Free access to the member-only Wine Library, with free wifi, desk, and networking opportunities
- Free access to Culture Club Tastings (first come, first serve)
PIWOSA and Cape Wine 2022
SASA's sommeliers can get working and networking opportunities at PIWOSA and Cape Wine 2022.
To register to become a member of SASA, click HERE.