The Best Young Sommelier of South Africa 2022 will take place on the 4th of October at Blaauwklippen in Stellenbosch in conjunction with the Inaugural of Star Wine List of the year South Africa, Awarding Best Wine Lists.
Open to any sommeliers under 30, the Best Young Sommelier competition is the country's premier competition for upcoming sommeliers under the age of 30. It showcases the industry's future leaders and exposes them to the rigours of international competition.
Click HERE to enter.
The winners receive fantastic prizes, national exposure, and incredible opportunities. The reigning best young sommelier, Laurie Cooper, is now the SASA treasurer and level 2 Master of Wine candidate.
This year the competition is being held alongside the coveted Star Wine List of the year South Africa, a celebration of the country’s best wine lists, for the first time in South Africa!
After hosting the Best Sommelier in South Africa competition, the stunning Blaauwklippen wine estate will continue its partnership with SASA and long-time supporter The Stellenbosch Wine Routes by hosting the upcoming Best Young Sommelier 2022.
Order of events
13:00-15:00 - Best Young Sommelier FINALISTS Competition
15:00-16:00 - Star Wine List of the Year South Africa, best wine lists of the year awards
16:00 - Best Young Sommelier 2022 Announcement
16:15-17:00 - Wine, mingling, photos
Quarter-finals will close on 5 September.
While the judges deliberate on the outcome of the finalists for Best Young Sommelier, the Star Wine List team will announce the top wine lists in South Africa.
To submit your wine list, click HERE.
These awards will be the first time Star Wine List showcases South Africa's best. Star Wine List covers an enviable list of 35 countries and over 100 cities worldwide. The esteemed panel of judges to adjudicate the Best South Africa Wine List include:
- Marc Almert- ASI Best Sommelier of the World 2019
- Piotr Pietras MS runner-up ASI Best Sommelier of Europe & Africa 2017
- Heidi Mäkinen MW, part of the ASI Sommeliers Contest Committee
- Tawanda Marume, the Director of Expression Wines & Best Sommelier of Zimbabwe 2020
Click HERE for more information about Star Wine List of the Year South Africa.