The South African Sommeliers Association (SASA) is hosting the finale of the Best Sommelier of South Africa 2025 tomorrow (Wednesday, 10 September 2025) at The Rockefeller Hotel in Cape Town; an unforgettable evening celebrating excellence in wine service.
Taking place on the opening night of Cape Wine, this is not just another industry gathering. It’s a high-energy, high-stakes moment where the country’s finest sommeliers take the stage and compete live for one of South Africa’s most respected titles. The crowd will be full of winemakers, international guests, media, buyers, and industry leaders – making it the ultimate place to be on one of the busiest nights in wine.
From the announcement of the finalists to the on-stage service tasks and the crowning of the champion, this is a rare opportunity to witness the full theatre of what it takes to be the best in the business.
The 2025 title holder will be selected by a panel of esteemed judges, including internationally certified professionals and respected industry voices. Our current champion, Jean-Vincent Ridon, will be there to pass on the honour – and the expectations.
Guests attending the live final will be welcomed from 16h30, with the final kicking off at 17h00, followed by a celebratory announcement and networking reception over wine.
This is where skill, poise, and deep wine knowledge meet centre stage. It's future of the sommelier profession in South Africa.
Semi-finalists
- Amos Sobashe – LAB Wines & Spirits Distribution
- Armand Ridgard – Ad Idem
- Eric Wellie Botha – Nomad Beach Bar and Restaurant
- Freda-Marizen Jacobs – Oldenburg Vineyards
- George Young – Dusk Restaurant
- Gregory Lorimer – Oldenburg Vineyards
- Laurie Cooper – Abingdon Wine Estate
Judging panel
- Ronan Sayburn MS – CEO Court of Master Sommeliers
- Edouard Oger MS – Court of Master Sommeliers (Semi-final judge)
- Marc Friederich – Chef and sommelier (retired), Meilleur Sommelier de Suisse (1991)
- Janni Berndt Dahl - President of the Swedish sommelier association
- Jerome Faure – Chair of the Association of Mauritius Sommeliers