The South African Sommeliers Association (SASA) is the leading professional body for sommeliers in South Africa, dedicated to promoting the sommelier profession and raising service standards in the wine and hospitality industry. With a growing membership of industry professionals, SASA fosters education, networking, and career development for sommeliers and wine enthusiasts across the country.
Working with the support of our official partner Stellenbosch Wine Routes, SASA continues to thrive as the preeminent wine service certification body on the African continent.
2024: A Year of Growth and Achievement
2024 marked an extraordinary year for SASA, filled with remarkable milestones:
Fundraiser Auction: On 20 March, SASA hosted its annual Fundraiser Auction, raising an impressive R300,000. These funds will directly support the association's educational programs and initiatives.
Best Young Sommelier Competition: In September, George Young was crowned the Best Young Sommelier of 2024. This prestigious competition showcases the exceptional talent emerging within the South African wine industry.
Professional Development Opportunities for our members: Also in September, Laurie Cooper, 2019’s Best Young Sommelier of South Africa and owner of the KZN School of Wine, attended the ASI Bootcamp in Seville, Spain. This incredible learning opportunity for Laurie was funded by SASA and our corporate sponsors.
SASA Members Shine on the Global Stage: SASA members Jo Wessels and Tawanda Marume represented South Africa and Zimbabwe respectively at the ASI Best Sommelier of Europe, Africa, and Middle East competition in November.
Ubuntu International Sommeliers Trophy: December saw the inclusion of Mauritius alongside South Africa and Zimbabwe in this prestigious competition. Organised by the Sommeliers Academy in partnership with Stellenbosch Wine Routes, the Ubuntu Trophy remains one of the wine industry’s most anticipated events. Team Mauritius claimed the 2024 title, with Team South Africa in a close Second Place.
“With so much momentum building, 2025 is going to be an incredible year for South African sommeliers, and for South African wine as a whole. The pipeline of upcoming young talent from across the country is promising, and I am excited to see more junior somms getting certified. Stellenbosch Wine Routes is proud to remain SASA’s # 1 supporter.”
Michael Ratcliffe, Chairman Stellenbosch Wine Routes
Looking Forward to 2025: Building on Success
The upcoming year promises to be even more exciting, with a busy line-up of events and initiatives:
SASA will host signature events, competitions, and workshops designed to enrich the sommelier community.
A strong focus will be placed on certifying more aspiring sommeliers, further solidifying South Africa’s presence on the global wine stage.
SASA will continue its mission to spread awareness about the importance of the sommelier profession, engaging with communities and the broader wine industry.
SASA will host the global sommelier community on African soil for the first time when they host the ASI General Assembly in May.
100 of the top sommeliers from all over the world will descend on Cape Town, an unprecedented opportunity to interact with international sommeliers and show them the very best of South African sommellerie.
"This is the big one!I cannot wait for this year to get started. We have some massive milestones set to be achieved this year at both a local and international level. it is lining up to be an incredible year for us”
Spencer Fondaumiere, SASA Chairman
Why Become a SASA Member?
Membership in SASA unlocks exclusive opportunities, including:
Eligibility to sit SASA exams and earn professional certifications.
Invitations to exclusive SASA member events and networking opportunities.
The chance to represent South Africa in international ASI competitions.
Entry to a member-only job board featuring sommelier career opportunities.
Becoming a SASA member means joining Africa’s largest sommelier organisation and becoming part of a network that celebrates excellence in wine and hospitality.
Join SASA today and be part of this extraordinary journey.
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