The aspiring sommeliers celebrate their acheivement along with representatives from Chenin Noir, PYDA and wine.co.za.
The Pinotage Youth Development Academy (PYDA) has teamed up with Chenin Noir South Africa to provide ten bursaries for young wine industry professionals to complete the Court of Master Sommeliers (CMS)'s Introductory Sommelier Certificate programme. The recipients of the bursaries, all PYDA graduates, were announced at a soft launch at The Wine Glass Stellenbosch on 24 April 2023.
The bursaries were awarded to the following individuals: Lee-Roy Lawrence, Siphesihle Tshaka, Mlondolozi Mketo, Yoliswa Masekwana, Shannon Fortuin, Olwethu Fana, Sivuyile Komani, Emilicia Barends, Lihle Magobiyane, and Nosiphiwo Macakati.
The CMS programme is an opportunity for young people to learn and grow with a globally accredited introductory sommelier certification, says Chenin Noir. It involves six months of part-time studies, ultimately culminating in the completion of the CMS exam.
Nine out of the ten young wine industry professionals who were awarded bursaries for the CMS Introductory Sommelier Certificate programme.
"If you really want to be a sommelier, the Court of Master Sommeliers is the best. It teaches you about wine around the world, service, wine business, and also other alcoholic beverages," Xolani Mancotywa, managing director of Chenin Noir SA, said by way of explaining why the CMS is the best course of study for an aspiring sommelier.
The course will cover topics including the grape varieties and winemaking procedures for all the major wines of the world; the production of spirits and liqueurs; technical skills of wine service; the importance of social skills; fundamentals of matching wines with food; and an introduction to the skills of wine tasting.
The PYDA exists to empower young, talented students to create irrevocable personal transformation and to achieve meaningful economic outcomes through collaborative efforts. PYDA works towards nurturing young individuals and providing them with the necessary guidance and resources to achieve and transform their lives positively and providing them the opportunity to enhance their skills.
Rudy Oosterwyk, acting executive director and innovation lead at PYDA, said of the announcement: "We are excited to announce the ten young graduates who will be participating in the programme. This opportunity is about social justice, equalising the playing field for young black South Africans."
For more information, please contact Emmalene Ravell, programme manager at PYDA, via email at emmalene@pyda.co.za or phone on 021 882 9273.