From left: Jean Vincent Ridon & Eric Botha, Right: Gareth Ferreira, Derek Klipin and Xolani Mancotywa
The Court of Master Sommeliers that was established in 1977 to promote excellence in hotel and restaurant beverage service, has once again demonstrated its commitment to nurturing and empowering the next generation of sommeliers. Chenin Noir in collaboration with the Court of Master Sommeliers, proudly extend their warmest congratulations to the outstanding 18 students who exhibited unwavering dedication during the Court of Master Sommeliers Exam 2023.
These dedicated individuals have proven their mastery of the art, science and history that informs the work of a sommelier. Their remarkable achievements are a testament to their relentless pursuit of excellence in the world of wine and spirits, solidifying their positions as the future leaders of the industry.
Chenin Noir along with local collaborators, the South African Sommelier Association (SASA) and the Pinotage Youth Development Academy (PYDA) ensured that The Court of Master Sommeliers 2023 not only achieved success but also established a new industry standard for excellence. This collaboration reaffirms our commitment to fostering a vibrant and thriving wine community for years to come.
This year’s exam witnessed exceptional accomplishments, with 8 out of 18 students passing their Introductory Level and 2 out of 5 students successfully passing the Certified Level. We are proud to introduce the new Court of Master Sommeliers Exam who have earned the certifications:
Introductory Sommelier passes
- Sivuyile Komani
- Jmal Ahmad Boodhoo
- Ekene Victor Okolo
- Frits Brune
- Derek Kilpin
- Sharrol Mukendi Klaas
- Tawanda Marume
- Siddhi Devi Bulkhundee
Certified Sommelier passes
Congratulations to all, their remarkable achievement is a reflection of their relentless pursuit of mastery in the world of wine and spirits and they stand as shining examples of the future leaders of the industry.
Since 2019, The Court of Master Sommeliers has successfully welcomed 60 Introductory Sommeliers and 8 Certified Sommeliers and to its prestigious ranks held in South Africa.
For those who aspire to follow in their footsteps, applications for the Court of Master Sommeliers 2024 are now open. We invite all passionate individuals who seek to elevate their knowledge and skills in the world of sommeliers. Together, we look forward to another year of excellence, growth and shared passion.
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The new date for 2024 is 26-28 June 2024 at L’Avenir Stellenbosch Cape Town.
To apply for a seat in The Court of Master Sommeliers 2024, kindly direct your inquiries to Chenin Noir at: education@cheninnoir.co.za