South African Sommeliers Association

South African Sommeliers Association 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.

Best Young Sommelier of South Africa 2026 is now fully booked!The Saxon will host, as our top six compete for the title ...
19/06/2026

Best Young Sommelier of South Africa 2026 is now fully booked!

The Saxon will host, as our top six compete for the title on the 1st of July.

Aljoe "Joe" Mario Beziek
Qualifications: B. Agric (Oenology & Viticulture), SASA Junior Sommelier, ASI 1
Employment: Ellerman House, Sommelier

Ayanda Magele
Qualifications: WSET Level 3 in wines
Cape Wine Academy Preliminary wines and wines of the world certificates
Employment: The Saxon Hotel, Hotel Sommelier

Benjamin Harry Fast
Qualification: WSET 2 - Merit
Employment: Four Seasons Hotel, The Westcliff | Wine steward and Bartender

Freda-Marizen Jacobs
Qualifications: WSET Level 3, ASI Level
Employment: Senior Sommelier, Oldenburg Vineyards

Gregory "Greg" Lorimer
Qualifications: Cape Wine Academy – Diploma of Wine
Currently in the Cape Wine Masters
ASI – Cert 1
Employment: Head Sommelier of Oldenburg Vineyards

Siyathemba "Siya" Msalela
Qualifications: WSET Level 2 (distinction), currently studying WSET Level 3
Workplace: Dusk Restaurant, Stellenbosch
Position/title: Junior Sommelier

A huge thank you to our sponsors!
Winterhalter
Moët Hennessy
SA Brandy
Vinimark

Media partner: wine.co.za

Prizes from:
Swartland Wine and Olive Route
Stellenbosch Wine Route
Hemel en Aarde Wines
wine.co.za
Riedel
Brice & Burnett
Jordan Wines
Dalla Cia Wines and Spirits Co
Babylonstoren
Great Domaines
Coravin

Congratulations to our top 6 semi-finalists for the upcoming Best Young Sommelier of South Africa 2026 competition takin...
18/06/2026

Congratulations to our top 6 semi-finalists for the upcoming Best Young Sommelier of South Africa 2026 competition taking place at The Saxon on the 1st of July!

Aljoe "Joe" Mario Beziek
Qualifications: B. Agric (Oenology & Viticulture), SASA Junior Sommelier, ASI 1
Employment: Ellerman House, Sommelier

Ayanda Magele
Qualifications: WSET Level 3 in wines
Cape Wine Academy Preliminary wines and wines of the world certificates
Employment: The Saxon Hotel, Hotel Sommelier

Benjamin Harry Fast
Qualification: WSET 2 - Merit
Employment: Four Seasons Hotel, The Westcliff | Wine steward and Bartender

Freda-Marizen Jacobs
Qualifications: WSET Level 3, ASI Level
Employment: Senior Sommelier, Oldenburg Vineyards

Gregory "Greg" Lorimer
Qualifications: Cape Wine Academy – Diploma of Wine
Currently in the Cape Wine Masters
ASI – Cert 1
Employment: Head Sommelier of Oldenburg Vineyards

Siyathemba "Siya" Msalela
Qualifications: WSET Level 2 (distinction), currently studying WSET Level 3
Workplace: Dusk Restaurant, Stellenbosch
Position/title: Junior Sommelier

A huge thank you to our sponsors!
Winterhalter
Moët Hennessy
SA Brandy
Vinimark

Media partner: wine.co.za

Prizes from:
Swartland Wine and Olive Route
Stellenbosch Wine Route
Hemel en Aarde Wines
wine.co.za
Riedel
Brice & Burnett
Jordan Wines
Dalla Cia Wines and Spirits Co
Babylonstoren
Great Domaines
Coravin

Announcing the Best Young Sommelier of South Africa 2026 semi-finalists!Aljoe "Joe" Mario BeziekQualifications: B. Agric...
16/06/2026

Announcing the Best Young Sommelier of South Africa 2026 semi-finalists!

Aljoe "Joe" Mario Beziek
Qualifications: B. Agric (Oenology & Viticulture), SASA Junior Sommelier, ASI 1
Employment: Ellerman House, Sommelier

Keagan Pratt
Qualifications: WSET 2, ASI 1, CWA - SA Wines certificate.
Employment: Oldenburg Vineyards, Junior Sommelier

Ayanda Magele
Qualifications: WSET Level 3 in wines
Cape Wine Academy Preliminary wines and wines of the world certificates
Employment: The Saxon Hotel, Hotel Sommelier

Siyathemba "Siya" Msalela
Workplace: Dusk Restaurant, Stellenbosch
Position/title: Junior Sommelier

Lundi Madikane
Qualification: WSET Level 3 and SASA Junior Sommelier certificates
Work: Delaire Graff Restaurant
Position: Waiter

Thabo Ntuthu
Qualifications: CWA Certificate, WSET 2 & 3, and SASA Junior Sommelier.
Employment: Senior Sommelier, Oldenburg Vineyards

Itumeleng "Tumi" Mohale
Qualifications: CWA
Employment: Precious Hidden Valley, Head Sommelier

Benjamin Harry Fast
Qualification: WSET 2 - Merit
Employment: Four Seasons Hotel, The Westcliff | Wine steward and Bartender

Freda-Marizen Jacobs
Qualifications: WSET Level 3, ASI Level
Employment: Senior Sommelier, Oldenburg Vineyards

Gregory "Greg" Lorimer
Qualifications: Cape Wine Academy – Diploma of Wine
Currently in the Cape Wine Masters
ASI – Cert 1
Employment: Head Sommelier of Oldenburg Vineyards

A huge thank you to our sponsors!
Winterhalter
LVMH
SA Brandy
Vinimark

Media partner: wine.co.za

Prizes from:
Swartland Wine and Olive Route
Stellenbosch Wine Route
Hemel en Aarde Wines
wine.co.za
Riedel
Brice & Burnett
Jordan Wines
Dalla Cia Wines and Spirits Co

12/06/2026

We are pleased to announce the SA Brandy Foundation as a sponsor for the upcoming Best Young Sommelier of South Africa 2026 competition!

"It is important for the SA Brandy Foundation to be part of this prestigious competition, as it provides an opportunity to educate and inspire emerging wine professionals about premium brandy, while highlighting the importance of economic transformation and inclusivity."

Christelle Reade-Jahn & Shane Mumba

SASA Members Pouring for the Italian Trade Agency (ITA)!George Mandefu of BalthazarLuyolo Mtiyane of Culture Wine BarElv...
10/06/2026

SASA Members Pouring for the Italian Trade Agency (ITA)!

George Mandefu of Balthazar
Luyolo Mtiyane of Culture Wine Bar
Elvis Moyo of Culture Wine Bar
Tapiwa Mandinga, Consultant

Thirteen Italian Estates, Two Masters of Wine

Richard Kershaw MW
Andrea Lonardi MW
Stefano Bottega
Giacomo Braida
Natalino Colantonio
Martina Paladin

Featuring wines from: Braida, Bottega, Bellavista, Casa Paladin, Cottanera, Donnafugata, Grattamacco, Masciarelli, Petra, Poggio al Tesoro, Stella & Mosca, San Polo, Villa Della Torre

We are pleased to announce that this year’s AGM will take place on the 4th of August 2026. This year, we have two board ...
10/06/2026

We are pleased to announce that this year’s AGM will take place on the 4th of August 2026. This year, we have two board member spots open. Jean-Vincent Ridon will step down as he prepares for the Best Sommelier of the World competition, and our Vice Chair, Erica Taylor, has moved to India to wave the flag for South African Wine in an exciting emerging market.

With two spots opening up, this is a chance to join us and help shape the future of sommeliers in South Africa. If you would like to campaign for the board or nominate someone, please submit a request to SASA Admin.

The upcoming AGM will take place in-person in the Western Cape, Gauteng, and online.

If you have any questions, please reach out to us.

Congratulations to one of our newest Junior Sommeliers!My name is Lundi Madikane, a young upcoming sommelier who is pass...
09/06/2026

Congratulations to one of our newest Junior Sommeliers!

My name is Lundi Madikane, a young upcoming sommelier who is passionate wine and hospitality, holding a WSET Level 3 Award in Wines certification. With a strong foundation in wine knowledge, food and wine pairing, and guest service excellence, I'm dedicated to creating memorable dining experiences. I'm currently working at Delaire Graff Restaurant in Stellenbosch, combining my knowledge in wine with exceptional customer service, helping guests explore and appreciate some of South Africa’s finest wines in a world-class dining environment. My commitment to continuous learning and hospitality excellence reflects to my enthusiasm for the wine industry and the art of fine dining.

Congratulations to one of our newest Junior Sommeliers!Francois MaraisWith over 18 years of experience in the hospitalit...
09/06/2026

Congratulations to one of our newest Junior Sommeliers!

Francois Marais

With over 18 years of experience in the hospitality industry, he currently serves as Senior Manager at Tipples Bar & Grill in Durbanville. His passion for wine and beverages has been a driving force throughout his career, inspiring him to continually expand his knowledge and appreciation of the industry.

Over the past three years, he has completed numerous wine courses through the Sommeliers Academy, further developing his skills and understanding of wine. A highlight of his wine journey was being selected as a participant in the Ubuntu Trophy last year, which was an enriching and humbling experience that reinforced his commitment to continuous learning and excellence. As he continues to grow within the industry, he remains eager to deepen his knowledge, refine his craft, and reach his full potential.

Best Young Sommelier 2026 prep is underway in Gauteng and Western Cape, thanks to Marble for hosting us!
03/06/2026

Best Young Sommelier 2026 prep is underway in Gauteng and Western Cape, thanks to Marble for hosting us!

The stage is officially set. We are incredibly honored to have The Saxon hosting the upcoming Best Young Sommelier of So...
02/06/2026

The stage is officially set. We are incredibly honored to have The Saxon hosting the upcoming Best Young Sommelier of South Africa competition, taking place on the 1st of July. Known for its deep heritage, flawless service, and unwavering commitment to excellence, this legendary Johannesburg property is the perfect match for the energy and dedication of our finalists. A massive thank you to the team at The Saxon for their incredible hospitality and for partnering with us to champion the next generation of industry leaders. Stay tuned as the countdown begins!

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

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