Team Mauritius wins the Ubuntu International Sommeliers Trophy: Jaisen Pandoo and Shani Ramasawmy (middle) with Elmarie Rabe of Stellenbosch Wine Routes (far left) and Jean-Vincent Ridon of the Sommeliers Academy (far right).
Team Mauritius has claimed the trophy at the 2025 Ubuntu International Sommeliers Trophy contest, securing victory ahead of Team Kenya, Team Zimbabwe, and Team South Africa in a thrilling continental finale held on Monday, 8 December 2025 at the historic Lanzerac in Stellenbosch. This marks the second consecutive win for Mauritius, who also lifted the Ubuntu Trophy in 2024.
Earlier in the day, national teams competed in intensive semi-final rounds involving high-level sommelier tasks: decanting a Neethlingshof Pinotage, identifying a Barbaresco, a rigorous theory examination, blind tasting of kriek lambic beers and Japanese sake, wine list corrections, and food-and-menu explanation challenges.
Each national team saw two of their top sommeliers advance to the afternoon finale.
Presiding over the competition was an exceptional international jury led by Giuseppe Vaccarini, former Best Sommelier of the World, supported by Michele Chantôme, ASI vice-president for Africa and Middle East, alongside a panel of distinguished South African wine and hospitality professionals.
A finale showcasing the continent's best talent
The final round, hosted by Stellenbosch Wine Routes, showcased the competitors' mastery of beverage service across multiple categories. Tasks included:
- Service of Villiera sparkling wine
- Aeration and presentation of Quoin Rock Knorhoek Chenin Blanc
- Food pairing featuring Castle Milk Stout beer
- Blind identification of premium spirits, including Tokara Potstill Brandy
- Professional table service of Acqua Panna and S.Pellegrino waters
- Pairing a Bellevue Cabernet Sauvignon with a vegan dish
These assessments demonstrated the technical skill, precision, and broad beverage knowledge essential to the modern sommelier profession.
Mauritius wins, South African sommelier takes top individual honour
Team Mauritius – represented by Jaisen Pandoo and Shani Ramasawmy, both former national Best Sommeliers of Mauritius – emerged as the overall winners and will keep the Ubuntu Trophy for another year.
While the competition trophy recognises team achievement, the highest individual score earned the Stellenbosch Wine Routes Award, which this year went to George Young of South Africa.
Special awards
Best Beer Sommelier: Shani Ramasawmy (Mauritius)
Presented on behalf of the Beer Association of South Africa, this award recognised her outstanding ability to propose refined beer-and-food pairings, reinforcing the presence of beer as a fully-fledged player in modern gastronomy.
Best Sommelier of Zimbabwe: Takura Makadzange
Presented by Carey-Ann Brown, chairperson of the Sommeliers Association of Zimbabwe, honouring his exceptional performance among Zimbabwe’s candidates.
Eight finalists of the 2025 Ubuntu Trophy
Mauritius: Shani Ramasawmy and Jaisen Pandoo
Kenya: Ruth Wangui Wanjiru and Adero Joy Achola
Zimbabwe: Fiona Vimbiso Gaga and Takura Makadzange
South Africa: Itumeleng Mohale and George Young
All the sommeliers from Kenya, Mauritius, South Africa and Zimbabwe who competed in the 2025 Ubuntu International Sommeliers Trophy competition at Lanzerac.
A celebration of african excellence in hospitality
The Ubuntu International Sommeliers Trophy, now in its 6th edition, aims to provide African sommeliers with a global platform to demonstrate their expertise and represent their national flags with pride. Sommeliers are the vital bridge between cuisine and the vast world of beverages – wine, beer, water, spirits, and more – requiring an advanced level of global product knowledge.
The 2025 edition was hosted by Lanzerac Hotel in partnership with Stellenbosch Wine Routes, and supported by Acqua Panna & S.Pellegrino, the SA Brandy Foundation, the BASA (Beer Association of South Africa), and leading Stellenbosch wine producers. "Supporting the Ubuntu Sommelier Competition reflects our commitment to cultivating skilled ambassadors for Stellenbosch and South African wine” declares Elmarie Rabe, manager of Stellenbosch Wine Routes.
“Sommeliers play a vital role in shaping the guest experience and telling the stories behind our vineyards. We are proud to stand behind this initiative that uplifts talent and advances the industry,” she concludes.
The event was organised by Jean-Vincent Ridon, former Best Sommelier of South Africa and manager of the Sommeliers Academy, the largest sommelier training institution on the African continent.
For more information, contact Jean Vincent Ridon at jv@ridon.co.za.
Photos: All photos taken by Danie of Danie Nel Photography.