Sommeliers Association of Zimbabwe

19/04/2026

What a great wine tasting event last night! Thank you Andrew J Shelly, winelab.Africa and MAN Family Wines for a great evening!

15/04/2026

The German wine regulation is changing, it is time for Zimbabwean sommeliers to update their knowledge.

Germany’s updated wine law—which is mandatory from the 2026 vintage—introduces PDOs, PGIs, and stricter regional control, but understanding the new hierarchy won’t necessarily be easier…

13/04/2026

Prepare your international certification with Sommeliers Association of Zimbabwe, and become recognized internationally.
Contact us for ASI exam dates, and the relevant courses in Zimbabwe.
Become member on www.zimsomms.com

🎧 A Sommelier’s Insight: The rise of ASI’s Diploma and Certification Pathways with Jean Vincent Ridon 🍷

Since the launch of the ASI Diploma in 2012, the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale has steadily built one of the wine and hospitality world’s most inclusive and globally relevant systems of professional benchmarking. 👏 What began as a top-level qualification aimed at recognising excellence amongst the top sommeliers of the world has evolved into a broader educational ladder that now reaches far beyond the traditional centres of the profession. In doing so, it is welcoming a diverse population to sommellerie. 🤩

In this episode of A Sommelier's Insight podcast, host Mark DeWolf talks with ASI Exams & Education Committee member Jean Vincent Ridon about the evolution of ASI's Certification and Diploma programmes and their impact on a new generation of hospitality professionals, particularly in countries with emerging interests in sommellerie.🔥

Enjoy our conversation with Jean Vincent!

📺 Do not forget that you can now also watch the episodes on our YouTube channel!
▶️ YouTube: https://youtu.be/hUcKT-ZoWVE

🎧 Listen on podcast platforms:
https://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-rise-of-asi-s-diploma-and-certification-pathways--71211959
🔗 Links in bio to previous episodes! 😉

08/04/2026

Graduating the last intake of International Wine Stewards in Harare with our partner Sommeliers Academy
Thanks to the Bronte the garden Hotel Harare for the support!
Sommeliers from Zimbabwe are so talented.
Join SAZ on www.zimsomms.com to become a member and unlock opportunities.

03/02/2026

Jura anyone?
What a well written article and interesting read if you are looking to extend your wine knowledge. Now to get our hands on Jura in Harare!
https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/wine/jura-wines/?link_source=ta_first_comment&taid=697f5561643d55000161ec6f&utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwZnRzaAPvEutleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeDh5aEAavGSUeW0PK7Q2PJIO3ygzhBffgkMdXG6TLFiM8hWes_MRDC0rp7eo_aem_rNDCDJhImcYvU4_LOIl1ow

Known for its sharp, tangy volatility acidity or the bold punch of oxidative notes, Jura has gone from mere intrigue to a cult category.

24/01/2026

We are very excited to introduce this in Zimbabwe this year!
Only available to Sommeliers Association of Zimbabwe members. Renew your membership or join for 2026 to get this benefit.

🍷✨ Introducing the ASI Prep Exam — The Journey Starts Here ✨🍷

Every ASI Best Sommelier of the World begins somewhere. Before the stage, the lights, and the pressure — there is learning, curiosity, and the first step into sommellerie. 🌱
Since 2012, ASI has set the global standard for sommelier exams — from the ASI Diploma, to ASI Certification 1 & 2, and now, from 2026, a new gateway opens: ASI Prep Exam.

🎓 ASI Prep is designed for students and aspiring sommeliers studying in hotel schools and training centres, offering an introductory, structured entry into the world of sommellerie.

📝 Exam format
• Written exam only
• 50 multiple-choice questions
• Introductory level
• Pass mark: 50%
• Marked exclusively by the ASI Exams & Education Committee (EEC)

🌍 Languages
Available in French, English & Spanish (other languages under specific conditions)

🤝 Who can take it?
Open to all students and aspiring sommeliers, organised by ASI national associations in collaboration with hotel schools and training institutes.

💡 Why ASI Prep?
To discover sommellerie, test your aptitude, build confidence, and begin your ASI pathway — with the same rigor, credibility, and international recognition that defines all ASI exams.

📜 Successful candidates receive an official ASI Prep certificate and may use the ASI Prep title & logo professionally.

🔗 Learn more on ASI exams here: https://www.asi.info/exams/
👉 Prep Exam Rules:https://www.asi.info/wp-content/uploads/securepdfs/2026/01/ASI-PREP-RULES-ENG-.pdf
👉 Prep Exam Competencies:https://www.asi.info/wp-content/uploads/securepdfs/2026/01/ASI-PREP.-COMP-ENG.pdf

The road to ASI Diploma — and beyond — starts with preparation. 🚀🍷

23/01/2026

To all SAZ members:
Boost your career in hospitality and wine with the International Wine Steward Certificate course and exam in Harare on the 20th of March.
Viticulture, Winemaking, History of Wine, key Grapes and Wines of the world, Wine Service, tasting methodology and food pairing are covered.
Your first step towards becoming a full fledged sommelier.
Limited space so register now.
More details on www.sommeliers.academy

21/01/2026

2025 was a great year for the sommeliers of Zimbabwe with so many who graduated as ASI Certification 1 sommelier, thanks to the partnership with Sommeliers Academy, and the financial support of the Gerard Basset Foundation and the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale.
This small but talented group from Victoria Falls can now show their talent to all the tourists visiting the Falls.

Congratulations to all of you


academy

21/01/2026

Next year Zimbabwe will try to win the Trophy back!

ASI Member News: Consecutive Wins for Mauritius of Ubuntu International Sommelier Trophy 🏆

Team Mauritius has once again claimed the Ubuntu International Sommelier Trophy, securing a second consecutive victory at the 2025 edition held on 8 December at the historic Lanzerac Hotel in Stellenbosch. 👏🤩 Competing against teams from Kenya, Zimbabwe and South Africa, the continental final brought together Africa’s top sommelier talent following demanding semi-finals that tested skills across wine service, blind tasting, theory, sake and beer identification, menu explanation and pairing challenges. 💪 The final round, hosted in partnership with Stellenbosch Wine Routes, further showcased the competitors’ versatility with tasks spanning sparkling wine service, still and fortified wines, spirits, water service and beer-and-food pairing, all overseen by an international jury chaired by Giuseppe Vaccarini, former ASI Best Sommelier of the World.🥂

Team Mauritius who was represented by Jaisen Pandoo and Shani Ramasawmy, both former national champions, retained the Ubuntu Trophy, while George Young (South Africa) earned the highest individual score, receiving the Stellenbosch Wine Routes Award. 🍷 Featuring eight finalists from Mauritius, Kenya, Zimbabwe and South Africa, the sixth edition of the Ubuntu Trophy reaffirmed its role as a vital platform for showcasing African excellence in sommellerie. The event was organised by Jean-Vincent Ridon. 👏

Our congratulations to the winners, all competitors and the organising committee - a memorable sommelier event for Africa! 🔥

19/01/2026

The ASI Prep exam will be available to our members only. Another reason to join the Sommeliers Association of Zimbabwe. Only 10 USD for 2026.

🍷✨ Introducing the ASI Prep Exam — The Journey Starts Here ✨🍷

Every ASI Best Sommelier of the World begins somewhere. Before the stage, the lights, and the pressure — there is learning, curiosity, and the first step into sommellerie. 🌱
Since 2012, ASI has set the global standard for sommelier exams — from the ASI Diploma, to ASI Certification 1 & 2, and now, from 2026, a new gateway opens: ASI Prep Exam.

🎓 ASI Prep is designed for students and aspiring sommeliers studying in hotel schools and training centres, offering an introductory, structured entry into the world of sommellerie.

📝 Exam format
• Written exam only
• 50 multiple-choice questions
• Introductory level
• Pass mark: 50%
• Marked exclusively by the ASI Exams & Education Committee (EEC)

🌍 Languages
Available in French, English & Spanish (other languages under specific conditions)

🤝 Who can take it?
Open to all students and aspiring sommeliers, organised by ASI national associations in collaboration with hotel schools and training institutes.

💡 Why ASI Prep?
To discover sommellerie, test your aptitude, build confidence, and begin your ASI pathway — with the same rigor, credibility, and international recognition that defines all ASI exams.

📜 Successful candidates receive an official ASI Prep certificate and may use the ASI Prep title & logo professionally.

🔗 Learn more on ASI exams here: https://www.asi.info/exams/
👉 Prep Exam Rules:https://www.asi.info/wp-content/uploads/securepdfs/2026/01/ASI-PREP-RULES-ENG-.pdf
👉 Prep Exam Competencies:https://www.asi.info/wp-content/uploads/securepdfs/2026/01/ASI-PREP.-COMP-ENG.pdf

The road to ASI Diploma — and beyond — starts with preparation. 🚀🍷

17/01/2026

SAZ Sommeliers Association of Zimbabwe is the platform to allow members to shine, domestically amd internationally.
The membership fee is payable for the year 2026. It is only 10 US dollars, but it can change your life, boosting your career and your confidence.
Join SAZ today for 2026 an explore the opportunities of being to the largest network of sommeliers in the world.

For the diaspora members we can accept ZAR and the membership is R200 only.

Register on zimsomms.com

16/01/2026

Team Zimbabwe was very proud to participate. The Stellenbosch Wine Routes Ubuntu Sommeliers Trophy is a major opportunity for our members to rub shoulders with some of the best sommeliers of the world.
We are a proud member of
ASI - Association de la Sommellerie Internationale

ASI Member News: Consecutive Wins for Mauritius of Ubuntu International Sommelier Trophy 🏆

Team Mauritius has once again claimed the Ubuntu International Sommelier Trophy, securing a second consecutive victory at the 2025 edition held on 8 December at the historic Lanzerac Hotel in Stellenbosch. 👏🤩 Competing against teams from Kenya, Zimbabwe and South Africa, the continental final brought together Africa’s top sommelier talent following demanding semi-finals that tested skills across wine service, blind tasting, theory, sake and beer identification, menu explanation and pairing challenges. 💪 The final round, hosted in partnership with Stellenbosch Wine Routes, further showcased the competitors’ versatility with tasks spanning sparkling wine service, still and fortified wines, spirits, water service and beer-and-food pairing, all overseen by an international jury chaired by Giuseppe Vaccarini, former ASI Best Sommelier of the World.🥂

Team Mauritius who was represented by Jaisen Pandoo and Shani Ramasawmy, both former national champions, retained the Ubuntu Trophy, while George Young (South Africa) earned the highest individual score, receiving the Stellenbosch Wine Routes Award. 🍷 Featuring eight finalists from Mauritius, Kenya, Zimbabwe and South Africa, the sixth edition of the Ubuntu Trophy reaffirmed its role as a vital platform for showcasing African excellence in sommellerie. The event was organised by Jean-Vincent Ridon. 👏

Our congratulations to the winners, all competitors and the organising committee - a memorable sommelier event for Africa! 🔥