The tension is rising and the competition is fierce. Today, on 9 December, it all comes to a head when an international panel of judges determines Southern Africa’s overall champion in the 2024 Ubuntu International Sommeliers Trophy.
The Ubuntu International Sommeliers Trophy is one of the wine industry’s most anticipated events, particularly this year. For the first time since its inception, the competition features three of Africa’s best sommelier teams. This year, the battle of skills between the regular opponents Zimbabwe and South Africa has a new contender – Mauritius.
“The Ubuntu International Sommeliers Trophy brings together some of our most skilled professionals and is a brilliant showcase of the exceptional talent that defines local wine excellence,” says Elmarie Rabe, manager of the event’s longtime sponsor and host of the Stellenbosch Wine Routes.
In addition to supporting the Ubuntu International Sommeliers Trophy, the organisation is a backer of several industry-wide projects for sommelier development.
“Sommeliers are a cornerstone to elevating South Africa’s hospitality and wine industry. Together with hospitality influencers, they’re vital ambassadors that bridge the gap between winemakers and consumers with their expertise in wine pairing, service, and storytelling.
“Their contribution shapes guest experiences, fosters a deeper appreciation for fine wine, and has the ability to promote Stellenbosch and its wines on the global stage,” she says.
A battle of epic proportions
The 2024 Ubuntu International Sommeliers Cup, organised by the Sommeliers Academy in partnership with the Stellenbosch Wine Routes, once again takes place at Stellenbosch’s prestigious Lanzerac Wine Estate, Hotel and Spa.
“We’re honoured to play host to this important event again,” says hotel general manager Emile Langenhoven. “Our commitment to delivering consistently high-calibre guest experiences aligns seamlessly with those embodied in the pursuits of the sommelier profession and the goals of the industry.”
The competition finale is to be live-streamed on the Sommeliers Academy Facebook page. Click here to watch.
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Among the judges evaluating the performance of the contenders this year are a former Best Sommelier of the World, Giuseppe Vaccarini of Italy, and Michèle Chantome, vice president of the World International of Sommeliers (ASI).
Every competitor in the teams from South Africa, Mauritius and Zimbabwe were selected by their respective national organisations.
On competition day, events kick off with the semi-final, which pits all 16 entrants against each other. The two best from each country go through to the final.
Each of the final six performs a series of tasks on stage, in front of a public audience. The tasks – the details of which are kept secret until the day of the event – cover service, pairing, sales, identification, theory and guest interaction.
The finalists won’t only be grilled on wine. In addition to Stellenbosch Wine Routes, the competition is co-sponsored by the Beer Association of South Africa and the South African Brandy Foundation. As such, competitors will also face questions represented by these organisations.
Mauritius and beyond
The competition organisers are very excited to welcome Mauritius to the fold. According to Sommeliers Academy founder Jean-Vincent Ridon, a veteran of the industry and 2023 winner as South Africa’s Best Sommelier, an invitation for Mauritius to participate came about through “organic growth”.
“Mauritius is a member of the ASI [International Sommeliers Association] in Southern Africa. I’m hoping they will be a permanent feature, as Mauritius remains a vital market for South African wines,” he says.
The Ubuntu International Sommeliers Trophy is the only international sommelier contest in Africa and Middle East. Future plans are to expand the event to Kenya, Nigeria and Congo – also key markets for South African wine.
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