Stellenbosch, South Africa – 3 December 2024: The countdown is on for one of the wine industry’s most eagerly anticipated events. On December 9, the Ubuntu International Sommeliers Trophy will culminate in a live-streamed competition where a panel of expert judges will crown Southern Africa’s 2024 sommelier champion. This year marks a historic moment for the competition as it expands to include three of Africa’s top sommelier teams, adding Mauritius to the usual rivalry between South Africa and Zimbabwe.
Elmarie Rabe, manager of the Stellenbosch Wine Routes, long-time sponsor and host of the event, says, “The Ubuntu International Sommeliers Trophy brings together some of our most skilled professionals and is a brilliant showcase of the exceptional talent that defines local wine excellence.”
The Crucial Role of Sommeliers in Wine and Hospitality
Rabe highlights the pivotal role sommeliers play in the growth of South Africa’s wine industry. “Sommeliers are the cornerstone of elevating South Africa’s hospitality and wine industry. Together with hospitality influencers, they serve as vital ambassadors, bridging the gap between winemakers and consumers. Their expertise in wine pairing, service, and storytelling fosters a deeper appreciation for fine wine and positions Stellenbosch as a global wine destination.”
A Battle of Skill and Precision
The 2024 Ubuntu International Sommeliers Trophy will take place at the prestigious Lanzerac Wine Estate in Stellenbosch, known for its world-class hospitality. “We’re honoured to host this important event again,” says Emile Langenhoven, general manager of Lanzerac. “Our commitment to high-caliber guest experiences aligns seamlessly with the sommelier profession and the goals of the industry.”
The live-streamed competition finale on December 9 will be broadcast on the Sommeliers Academy Facebook page. Esteemed judges include Giuseppe Vaccarini, former Best Sommelier of the World, and Michèle Chantome, vice president of the World Sommelier Association (ASI).
The Competition: A Test of Mastery
On competition day, the event will begin with a semi-final where 16 sommeliers compete for a spot in the final. The top two from each country will advance to the finale. The final six will perform a variety of secret tasks, including wine service, pairing, sales, identification, theory, and guest interaction.
Additionally, competitors will face questions from the Beer Association of South Africa and the South African Brandy Foundation, underscoring the diverse knowledge sommeliers must possess.
Mauritius Joins the Contest
The addition of Mauritius to the competition brings new excitement. According to Jean-Vincent Ridon, founder of the Sommeliers Academy and 2023 South African Best Sommelier, the inclusion of Mauritius is part of the event’s organic growth. “Mauritius is a key market for South African wines, and we hope they will become a permanent feature of the competition,” says Ridon.
The Ubuntu International Sommeliers Trophy is the only international sommelier competition in Africa and the Middle East, with plans to expand into Kenya, Nigeria, and Congo — all important markets for South African wine.
Investing in the Future of Sommeliers
Stellenbosch Wine Routes, in partnership with the Sommeliers Association of South Africa (SASA), is deeply committed to fostering the next generation of wine professionals. Competitions like the Best Young Sommelier and Best Sommelier of South Africa are vital platforms for nurturing emerging talent. This September, George Young of Vergenoegd Löw Wine Estate was named Best Young Sommelier of the Year.
Training programs, such as those offered by the Court of Master Sommeliers and the Sommelier Academy, further empower sommeliers to hone their skills and drive excellence across the wine and hospitality industries.
Rabe concludes, “This partnership underscores Stellenbosch’s commitment to world-class standards, positioning the region as a leader in wine innovation and quality.”
For more information, visit the Stellenbosch Wine Routes at www.wineroute.co.za or www.visitstellenbosch.org. You can also connect on social media @stellwineroute.
