Ex alcoholic turned SA's best young sommelier Luvo Ntezo educates with sobriety

Monday, 14 August, 2023
CapeTalk, Tasleem Gierdien
Luvo Ntezo, head sommelier at One&Only Cape Town, talks about his journey from alcoholic to award-winning sommelier.

Lester Kiewit of CapeTalk speaks to the head sommelier at a leading hotel, One&Only Cape Town, Luvo Ntezo about his journey as an alcoholic to being recognised as the Best Young Sommelier in South Africa.

Listen to the conversation below:

Ntezo is acknowledged as a shining star in the South African and global wine community.

This accolade is even more impressive since Ntezo is a former alcoholic who celebrated 10 years of sobriety on 1 August.

Ntezo says depression, low self-esteem and fearing crowds was the main issues behind his alcohol abuse.

Ntezo admits, drinking himself "to the pits of hell" with three suicidal attempts. Ntezo recalls hitting rock bottom until he was confronted by his kids and was able to admit to himself and his doctor that he was an alcoholic.

To read the full article, click HERE.