The South African Sommeliers Association (SASA), along with its sponsors Winterhalter, Moët & Chandon, Riedel, Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa, South African Brandy Foundation and Vinimark, is delighted to announce the highly anticipated Best Young Sommelier of South Africa 2026 contest, which will take place on Wednesday, 1 July 2026 in Johannesburg. Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa will play host to the grand finale, where six of the country’s finest emerging wine professionals will battle for the ultimate title.
The prestigious competition represents the gold standard of wine service in South Africa, providing a rigorous platform for the next generation of sommeliers to showcase their technical knowledge, blind-tasting prowess, and exceptional service skills.
The judges for this year's contest are award-winning sommelier Elton Damon; Laurie Cooper, chair of SASA; Tawanda Marume, former Best Sommelier of Zimbabwe; Moses Magwaza, a respected sommelier and wine judge; Mxolisi Mahashi, group sommelier for Signature Restaurants and SASA's Gauteng Chapter ambassador; Shane Mumba, ambassador for the SA Brandy Foundation; and Armand Ridgard, reigning Best Sommelier of South Africa.
Meet the six finalists
This year's finalists boast impressive qualifications ranging from WSET and Cape Wine Academy certifications to prestigious ASI credentials:
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Aljoe "Joe" Mario Beziek – Sommelier at Ellerman House (Cape Town)
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Ayanda Magele – Hotel sommelier at Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa (Johannesburg)
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Benjamin Harry Fast – Wine steward and bartender at Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff (Johannesburg)
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Freda-Marizen Jacobs – Senior sommelier at Oldenburg Vineyards (Stellenbosch)
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Gregory Lorimer – Head sommelier at Oldenburg Vineyards (Stellenbosch)
- Siyathemba Msalela – Junior sommelier at Dusk Restaurant (Stellenbosch)
Strong industry backing and premium prizes
The 2026 event highlights the wine industry's collective commitment to nurturing young talent. The competition is proudly supported by cornerstone sponsors Winterhalter, Moët Hennessy, Vinimark, and the SA Brandy Foundation.
The winner will walk away with an array of luxury prizes courtesy of elite partners, including Swartland Wine and Olive Route, Stellenbosch Wine Route, Hemel en Aarde Wines, wine.co.za, Riedel, Creation Wines, Hamilton Russel Vineyards, Jordan Wine Estate, Dalla Cia Wines and Spirits Co, Babylonstoren, Great Domaines, and Coravin.
SASA would also like to extend thanks to its longtime media partner, wine.co.za.
For more information and updates on the results, follow SASA on Facebook and Instagram.