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South African Sommeliers Association

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South African Sommeliers Association

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The South African Sommelier Association provides a platform through which prospective & professional

The South African Sommelier’s Association provides a platform through which prospective & professional Sommeliers can be developed & trained in accordance with the highest international standards.

23/10/2026

What an incredible week in Portugal! We couldn’t be prouder of Armand Ridgard, who represented South Africa with passion, skill, and immense dedication at the ASI Contest Best Sommelier of the World 2026 (Lisbon) 🇿🇦

Facing 66 of the finest sommeliers on the planet, Armand made it through to the Quarterfinals, taking on intense theoretical examinations, high-pressure blind tastings, and world-class service tasks.

This was a huge learning opportunity for Armand and our SASA Chair, Laurie Cooper, who accompanied him to Lisbon. Between them, they got to connect with some of the biggest names in the global w**e industry, while building strong bonds with fellow candidates who will be competing for the upcoming ASI Contest Best Sommelier of Africa and Middle East, which is being hosted on South African soil in 2027.

The relationships, insights, and continental solidarity forged in Lisbon lay an invaluable foundation for our future, and observing the event from the inside provided immense inspiration and operational insights on what it takes to stage a truly world-class competition ahead of next year's contest.

Thank you once again to our community and sponsors who made this trip happen. This journey was a true collective effort. We extend our deepest gratitude to:

•⁠ ⁠Vinimark & Mike Ratcliffe for their foundational support and travel funding.
•⁠ ⁠⁠The Chenin Blanc Association for their generous contribution through the Ina Smith Bursary, and artist Sumi Gous for donating sales from her ⁠ ⁠ artworks.
•⁠ ⁠⁠Every single individual and business who contributed to our BackaBuddy campaign and shared our journey.

Together, we put South African sommelier talent firmly on the global map! 🇿🇦❤️

12/10/2026

🇿🇦 ARMAND IS IN LISBON! 🇵🇹

The Road to Lisbon has brought us here!

Armand Ridgard, Best Sommelier of South Africa 2025, has arrived in Portugal to represent South Africa at the ASI Contest Best Sommelier of the World 2026 (Lisbon).

From the support of our sommelier community to the generosity of our donors, Vinimark and The Chenin Blanc Association, this journey has been made possible by people who believe in South African talent. Now, it’s time for Armand to take the stage and show the world what we’re capable of.

Wave an SA flag 🇿🇦 in the comments on the official ASI social media pages to send your support straight to Lisbon!

Follow SASA and ASI for updates from Lisbon!

12/10/2026

Upcoming Events & Education with SASA

11–17 October is the ASI Contest Best Sommelier of the World (Lisbon) - Show Armand your support at as he represents SA on the global stage 🇿🇦

30 Oct - Ch*****ne Bollinger Masterclass with Pierre Damidot, courtesy of Vinimark.

02 Nov - SASA Foundational, Junior Sommelier & ASI Certification 1 Exams.

10 Nov & 01 Dec - Year-End Chapter Meetings hosted by Vinimark.

16 Nov - ASI Prep Exam & ASI Certification 2 Exam.

07 Dec - Ubuntu International Sommeliers Trophy

🔗 Link in bio for full details, exam registrations & RSVPs

01/10/2026

Upcoming ASI and SASA Exams

02 November 2026
- ASI Certification 1 - test your ability at an Assistant Sommelier level in most environments with national and international general knowledge.
- SASA Junior Sommelier - assess your foundational w**e knowledge and core sommelier skills at a national level.
- SASA Foundational - assess your basic knowledge of w**e, South African w**e regions and w**e service (any service professionals).
- Prep Workshop - a 1-day preparation workshop for the ASI Certification 1 and Junior Sommelier Exams (Special package price at a discounted rate includes prep workshop and both exams).

16 November 2026
- ASI Certification 2 - test your general knowledge and professional skills required for a sommelier to feel comfortable with any international or domestic customer.
Check the link in bio or head to our website www.sommeliers.org.za for more information and to book your exam spot.

25/09/2026

A massive thank you to all of our incredible community members, supporters and donors who helped us to reach our goal of R60,000 to get Armand to Lisbon for the ASI Contest Best Sommelier of the World 2026. These funds will cover the costs of travel, accommodation and training needed for this competition.

A special thank you for the large contributions made by Vinimark and the Chenin Blanc Association through the Ina Smith Bursary along with artist Sumi Gous for donating the sales of her artworks to the bursary.

And last but not least, thank you to every one of you who contributed towards our Back a Buddy campaign. Every contribution of every size got us past this finish line and we could not have done it without you.

Follow our page for more updates on our Road to Lisbon journey as we prepare for Armand to represent South Africa on the global stage.

If you still wish to contribute to our journey in the form of training, resources or financial support, please email us at [email protected] or head to the link in bio for our Back a Buddy campaign.

07/09/2026

Armand Ridgard on what it means to represent South Africa at the ASI Contest Best Sommelier of the World (Lisbon, Portugal) in October 2026.

We are so grateful to our community that has been rallying behind us to support him on this journey. Every contribution helps no matter how big or small. You can support Armand and SASA too by:
- Donating to our Back a Buddy campaign (Link in bio)
- Donating your time or resources to training and preparing for the contest
- Sharing our campaign with your network

Every like, share, comment and donation gets us one step closer to Lisbon 🇿🇦

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03/09/2026

September is shaping up to be a busy month for our sommelier community, with education, events and opportunities to connect happening across the country.

This month includes:

- The ASI Contest Best Sommelier of the World fundraising campaign supporting Armand Ridgard on the road to Lisbon 🇿🇦
- SASA Cellar Sale: Selling our w**e stock at discounted prices. Perfectly cellared.
- SASA Chapter Meeting with MAN Family W**es in Gauteng
- CMS Exams
- WLA101 Course
- WoSA Sommelier Symposium

Know of any other events or education opportunities? Drop them in the comments for your fellow sommeliers 🍷

**eProfessionals **e **eEducation

20/08/2026

We are officially rallying behind Armand Ridgard as South Africa's representative at the ASI Contest Best Sommelier of the World 2026 (Lisbon)!

This October, Armand will carry the South African flag onto the ultimate global sommelier stage. To get him there prepared and ready to win, we need the support of our incredible w**e and hospitality community.
Our collective goal is to raise R60,000 to help cover flights, accommodation, and intensive training. Every bit makes a difference!

Please consider donating to our BackaBuddy, give your time/resources, and sharing this campaign with your colleagues, w**eries, and w**e lovers!

Link in bio to donate

Let's take the Road to Lisbon together! 🇿🇦✈️🇵🇹

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18/08/2026

MAN Vintners | SASA Gauteng Chapter Meeting

Join us for our next SASA Gauteng Chapter Meeting in Johannesburg, hosted by MAN Vinters at Open Bottle x UrbanPastdal.

We’ll begin with a chapter meeting before diving into a guided tasting of the MAN Vinters portfolio, showcasing MAN Family W**es, Lievland Vineyards, Kara-Tara and Stark-Condé. We’ll then round off the day with lunch at Obento Ramen Bar.

📅 2 September 2026
🕦 11:30 for 12:00
📍 Open Bottle, Parkmore, Sandton

RSVP by Tuesday, 25 August 2026 via the link in bio.

**eCommunity **eTasting SouthAfricanW**e MANVinters Johannesburg

17/08/2026

South Coasters | An Exhibition of the New Wave

SASA Gauteng members, join us on 24 August for a special tasting and discussion showcasing the new wave producers from the Cape South Coast.

Hosted by The South Coasters, the morning will be an opportunity to meet the w**emakers behind some of the region's exciting cooler-climate w**es and explore what makes the Cape South Coast such a compelling place for w**e.

📅 24 August 2026
⏰ 10:00–12:00
📍 w**elab.Africa, The Zone, Rosebank, Gauteng

Register via the link in our bio.

**e **eProfessionals **eTasting

Address

Stellenbosch
7600

Opening Hours

Monday	09:00 - 17:00
Tuesday	09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday	09:00 - 17:00
Thursday	09:00 - 17:00
Friday	09:00 - 17:00

Website

http://www.sommeliers.org.za/

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