The hunt for South Africa’s most talented sommelier is on and the winner will represent the nation at the 2019 Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI) Best Sommelier championships in Belgium.The winner will be given the title of Moët & Chandon Best Sommelier South Africa 2018.
A sommelier is understood as a wine specialist – from wine and food pairing, wine serving to being the ultimate wine steward.
The South African Sommelier Association (SASA) is looking for a person that ticks all the necessary boxes – from exception skill, knowledge and experience. The most required characteristic is charm and charisma.
SASA aims, with the help of the competition – to empower and support local top professional sommeliers who are passionate about the industry.
Enter the competition
A thorough understanding of wine knowledge in South Africa and international wines in reference to region, viticultire and vinification is required. This extends to a basic understanding of beers, ciders, spirits, water, coffee and tea. The delivery of beverages will be tested.
In order to take part in the competition entrants do not require any formal training or qualification and must be employed in the food and service industry. The contestant must have a minimum of 3 years experience in the hospitality indsutry and be an active member of SASA or sign up on their site.
All candidates must be at least 21 years old.
The competition is open to residents of all nationalities that are working in South Africa and local citizens who are working abroad.
Participants will be put to the test with an online qualifying questionnaire in order to move to the next round. Final submissions along with a curriculum vitae deadline is on 10 August at 5pm. SASA will inform those competing by 12 August if they are chosen to proceed to the next round.
The second round will have a range of tests taking place across the nation.
Here are the dates and venues:
23 August 2018 – Johannesburg
24 August 2018 – Durban
30 August 2018 – Cape Town
The competition will progress onward through to Finals and each round will test your abilities and skill.Only 3 candidates will be chosen for the finals
The winner will receive a sponsored place in the ASI Best Sommelier of the World championships in Belgium in 2019 along with a trip to visit the Moët & Chandon Maison in France. \
The winner will also receive a A Château Laguiole opener and of course a magnum of Moët & Chandon to toast to your celebratory win.
Picture: Unsplash