Who we are
The South African Sommeliers Association (SASA) is proudly affiliated with the global sommelier body, Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI). Our mission is to elevate wine service standards in South Africa to meet global benchmarks.
Education partners
Partnered with industry leaders, SASA recognises the Sommeliers Academy and Apeirogon Youth Development Academy as official training providers. With a combined 80 years of experience, both institutions offer dynamic wine education and training modules. They prepare you comprehensively for SASA-certified exams, from theoretical foundations to practical expertise.
Apeirogon Youth Development Academy
For aspiring sommeliers, Apeirogon offers the Introduction to Wine Course. Gain essential knowledge and confidence to kickstart your career in the Wine and Hospitality Industry.
Sommeliers Academy
Established in 2016, Sommeliers Academy meets the demand for world-class sommelier training in South Africa. Offering courses from beginner to advanced levels, including the prestigious ASI Diploma, their programs are designed to elevate your wine service skills.
Explore your learning options
Discover other esteemed wine schools endorsed by SASA, offering diverse educational opportunities:
Cape Wine Academy
The Cape Wine Academy, based in Stellenbosch and Johannesburg and accessible online, their courses are renowned for their focus on the nuances of the Cape wine landscape while incorporating global wine regions. They integrate the expertise of industry
professionals into their training materials and assessments, ensuring they are regularly updated to reflect current trends.
Chenin Noir
Located in Johannesburg, Chenin Noir is a hospitality consulting company that specialises in curated experiences across food, beverage, education, and hospitality. With a strong emphasis on education and consumer experience, Chenin Noir highlights Africa's exceptional hospitality capabilities.
WSET
Designed for beginners, professionals, and wine enthusiasts alike, the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) offers qualifications through a global network of over 800 Approved Programme Providers (APPs) in 70 countries and 15 languages, including two in South Africa:
- International Wine Education Centre: Based in Cape Town, the International Wine Education Centre (IWEC) offers a comprehensive range of WSET wine and spirit education courses. From introductory levels to the prestigious Level 4 Diploma, IWEC is the sole provider authorised to offer this qualification in Africa and the Middle East.
- KZN School of Wine: The KZN School of Wine is the exclusive provider in its province accredited to offer certifications under WSET, these qualifications are globally recognised as the foremost accreditations in the wine industry.
Join us
Whether you're starting your wine journey or aiming for advanced certification, SASA invites you to explore limitless opportunities in the fascinating world of wine.
Visit our website to learn more about our courses and how to enroll.
Raise your glass to a future in wine excellence with SASA!