South African Sommeliers Association

Are you ready to elevate your wine career?

Check out these amazing roles (and more) via the South African Sommeliers Association website:

🍷 Lead and inspire as a Tasting Room Manager at Leipzig Winery in the picturesque Nuy Valley, Worcester.

🍽️ Join a dynamic team in the heart of wine country as an Assistant Restaurant Manager at The Stellenbosch Collection, Stellenbosch.

🌴 Bring your passion for wine to paradise as a Sales administer and Sommelier in Male, Maldives.

🔗 Apply now and make your mark in the world of wine: https://www.sommeliers.org.za/careers

HARD WORK.

The Winterhalter PT is at the heart of rush hour in a kitchen.

Racks with dirty dishes are loaded onto the inlet table. The wash cycle starts. The clean dishes are removed on the other side. Everything is perfectly coordinated, no compromises.

Designed to meet the highest demands and streamlined for maximum economy. An all-rounder for a wide range of wash items. Simple, efficient, fast. And totally reliable. Available in two machine sizes. A real workhorse.

Speak to one of our experts today:

☎️ 011 888 7932

📩 [email protected]

🌐www.winterhalter.com/za

Big news! 🍷

Laurie Cooper, the 2019 Best Young Sommelier of South Africa and owner of the KZN School of Wine, will represent South Africa at the ASI - Association de la Sommellerie Internationale Bootcamp in Sevilla, Spain!

From 22-26 September, she will join an elite group of sommeliers for three days of masterclasses, workshops, and tastings.

"It's a huge honour to be able to attend the ASI boot camp. I am particularly excited about the diversity of the programme that encompasses so much more than just wine such as chocolate and water masterclasses as well as those attending from all over the world. This will also be an exciting, daunting and welcome opportunity."

Let's cheer her on!
Laurie Cooper
ASI - Association de la Sommellerie Internationale

The Wine Steward Course is a the perfect first step in your sommelier journey. Talk to Sommeliers Academy about booking your spot.

Our next Wine Steward Certificate course in Cape Town is on the 2nd of September. This popular one day course is covering wine knowledge or wine service skills, turning a waiter into a confident wine steward.
This course is the best step forward toward the SASA Introductory Sommelier exam that can be booked directly with SASA South African Sommeliers Association
Do not miss this opportunity to boost your career, register today on www.sommeliers.academy.

Sommelier events to mark on your calendars 🌍🍷

The ASI Bootcamp returns to Europe in Sevilla from 22-26 September.

Laurie Cooper will represent SA in Spain, where she will join an elite group of sommeliers for masterclasses, workshops, and tastings.

Plus, the Best Sommelier in Europe and Africa is back, with participation from the Middle East for the first time and celebrating the ASI's 55th anniversary!

The contest takes place in Belgrade, Serbia, in November, and Jo Wessels will be representing SA.

Let's cheer them on! 🥂
ASI - Association de la Sommellerie Internationale Laurie Cooper Jo Wessels

Ever dreamed of being crowned the Best Young Sommelier in South Africa? Here’s your chance!

The Quarter Finals are closing soon — entries must be in by midday on 1 August.

Presented by the South African Sommeliers Association with Stellenbosch Wine Routes, this competition isn’t just about winning; it’s about boosting your career. Imagine representing South Africa globally, gaining national recognition, and learning from international competition.

🍷 Whether you’re a pairing expert or have an impeccable palate, this competition is for you. It’s your chance to become a leader in the wine industry.

👉 Don’t miss out! Showcase your skills and shape South Africa’s wine future. Visit https://www.sommeliers.org.za/post/enter-now-best-young-sommelier-in-south-africa-competition to learn more and secure your chance to be the next Best Young Sommelier in South Africa.

It's your LAST CHANCE to apply for a bursary for the esteemed WSET Level 3 in Wines qualification!🍷

This initiative, sponsored by the Gérard Basset Foundation and IWEC, is open to members seeking opportunities to advance their careers and achieve their dreams. ⁠

The bursaries follow the two GBF WSET Diploma scholarships awarded to Nomonde Kubheka and Tinashe Musora earlier this year.

The Foundation’s grant to each of them has allowed them to enroll in the flagship WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines course, and it is hoped that some of the recipients of the Level 3 bursaries will apply for similar support in future years.

Don’t miss out on this incredible chance!

Apply here: https://thewinecentre.co.za/news/gerard-basset-foundation-bursary-2024-3/

Stay tuned 🍷🌟

ASI Contest of Best Sommelier of Europe, Africa and Middle East Contest: candidates application open 🤩

As November is approaching we couldn't be more excited for the contest in Belgrade, Serbia! 🥂 The time has come for the candidates, selected by their ASI member associations to submit their applications. The internal communication has been sent to national presidents with the necessary information. If you haven`t received it, please contact your VP or ASI Board member. If you are a candidate and need to apply to participate in the contest, please contact your national president.

The Sommelier Contest Committee will now have time to go through candidates applications and make sure they meet the rigorous requirements to participate in this high level sommelier contest. 🤩

Candidates, presidents of the national associations, board and committee members will soon receive a separate registration form in order to attend the competition.

As usual in the weeks leading up to the competition, we will be revealing information about participants, our host association and partners, among many other details, so stay tuned! 🥂

If you are a sommelier willing to be a volunteer at this event, please also contact your national association for details how to become an ASI volunteer, which is also an unforgettable experience! 🍷

🚨COMPETITION CLOSED🚨

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🍷 GIVEAWAY 🍷

Win 2 tickets to one of the year's hottest wine tasting events: Caroline's Fine Wine Cellar Red Wine Review. Valued at almost R1000, you could mingle with the who's who of SA wine and taste wines from almost 100 wineries!
Featuring great brands such as Kanonkop Wine Estate, Cederberg Wines, Hamilton Russell Vineyards, De Toren Private Cellar, Leeu Passant and many more!

How to enter:
✅ TAG a somm friend who loves wine
✅ SHARE this post to your page

Purchase tickets online at: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/265349-carolines-red-wine-review-2024/?ref=events-list #



**You must be 18yrs or older to enter. The winner will be notified on this page and by DM. Winners selected at random by the judges. Competition closes Wednesday 24 July at 12noon.

Join us on Saturday, 27 July at Time Out Market Cape Town for another unforgettable Winter Wine Series. It's a great chance to taste some new wines and connect with other somms.

💪 Remember to use code SASA to save 20% on your ticket 💪

Reisiger
Lourens Family Wines
Beaumont Wines
Le Chant Wines
Knorhoek Wine Farm
Bouchard Finlayson
Overgaauw Wine
Lost Boys
Southern Right of Hamilton Russel Vineyards
Jayne’s of Beaumont Wines

Tickets R300 pp | Book on howler.co.za

Sommeliers: What are you pairing with this? Garlic Butter Beef Medallions 🥩🧄

Savory Garlic Butter Beef Medallions 🥩🧄

Ingredients:

For the Beef Medallions:
- 1 1/2 lbs beef tenderloin, cut into 1-inch thick medallions 🥩
- 2 tablespoons olive oil 🫒
- Salt and pepper to taste 🧂
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme 🌿
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary 🌿

For the Garlic Butter:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened 🧈
- 4 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped 🌿
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped (optional) 🌿
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional) 🍋
- Salt and pepper to taste 🧂

Directions:

1. Season the Beef Medallions:
- Pat the beef medallions dry with paper towels.
- Season both sides with salt, pepper, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. 🥩🧂🌿

2. Prepare the Garlic Butter:
- In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, fresh thyme (if using), lemon juice (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Mix until well combined. Set aside. 🧈🧄🌿🍋

3. Cook the Beef Medallions:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once hot, add the beef medallions. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
- Adjust cooking time based on the thickness of the medallions and your preferred doneness. 🥩🔥

4. Add the Garlic Butter:
- Reduce the heat to medium.
- Add the prepared garlic butter to the skillet. Allow it to melt and spoon it over the beef medallions, basting them for about 1-2 minutes. 🧈🧄🔥

5. Rest and Serve:
- Remove the beef medallions from the skillet and transfer them to a serving platter.
- Let them rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Serve the beef medallions hot, with additional garlic butter drizzled on top if desired. 🥩✨

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

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Enjoy these Savory Garlic Butter Beef Medallions, a quick and delicious dish perfect for any occasion! 🎉🥩🧄✨

🚨REMINDER🚨

The Gérard Basset Foundation and IWEC are offering bursaries for the prestigious WSET Level 3 in Wines course! 🍇✨

Ready to elevate your wine career? This incredible opportunity in Stellenbosch begins in September.

Apply by 31 July to stand a chance to receive R12 000 towards your course fee. Don't miss out! Apply now and take your wine education to the next level! 🍷

https://thewinecentre.co.za/news/gerard-basset-foundation-bursary-2024-3/

The Best Young Sommelier in South Africa competition, proudly presented by the South African Sommeliers Association in partnership with Stellenbosch Wine Routes, is back! 🍷

Details:
🗓 Quarter Finals: 12-27 July 2024 (Online)
🏅 Regional Semi-Finals: August 2024
🌟 Grand Finale: 11 September 2024 in Stellenbosch

Click on the link for a golden opportunity to showcase your skills, gain national recognition, and embark on a journey towards incredible career opportunities.

https://www.sommeliers.org.za/post/enter-now-best-young-sommelier-in-south-africa-competition

Proudly presented by the South African Sommeliers Association & Stellenbosch Wine Routes, with support from Winterhalter and Amorim Cork.

Cheers! 🍇🥂

We are proud to introduce Team South Africa!

This elite group of sommeliers, led by Jean-Vincent Ridon and Jo Wessels, includes Bafana Zondo, Anika de Jongh, Le Roi Rosseau, Victor Okolo, Laurie Cooper, George Young, and Stefan Reinmuth.

Together, they will represent South Africa in international wine competitions, showcasing their profound knowledge, practical skills, and exceptional tasting acumen.

Sponsored by Stellenbosch Wine Routes, wine.co.za, and Mike Ratcliffe of
Vilafonté Wines, this team is ready to shine on the global stage.

| Mini Brandy Festival 🥃

Don't miss out on the hottest brandy event in Stellenbosch! Join fellow brandy enthusiasts and savour the finest selection of local brandies.

What to expect? Enjoy 3 amazing cocktails and 4 brandy tastings brought to you by SA Brandy, dance to local DJs, and feast on a curated menu of tasty food.

Where: Cause Effect Cocktail Kitchen, Morgenhof, Stellenbosch
When: 27-28 July 2024
Cost: R200 pp (early bird tickets)

Get your tickets: https://zurl.co/1nnG


Cause Effect Cocktail Kitchen Morgenhof Wines

Spotted in Lesotho! ❄️ 🇱🇸 Our Sauvignon Blanc is enjoying the snowy magic of Lesotho.

📸

Time to go to the gym! 😅

The ultimate guide to wine bottle shapes and sizes Discover all the different shapes and sizes of wine bottles. Find out if different types of bottles affect the quality of wine.

Congratulations to these new sommeliers in Harare!
Trained by Sommeliers Academy

Congratulations to these 7 candidates who graduated in Harare last week, officially becoming Certified Wine Stewards.
Zimbabwe tourism is booming and we are offering different levels of courses, from wine knowledge to full-fledge sommelier certification, in partnership with the Sommeliers Association of Zimbabwe.

🇫🇷 BASTILLE FESTIVAL UPDATE 🇫🇷

Franschhoek Bastille 2024 Celebrations Postponed to New Dates: 20 & 21 July

In an urgent update, event organisers, following consultations with disaster and risk management, have been advised to postpone the Iconic Bastille 2024 celebrations to new dates, 20th & 21st July. This decision prioritises guest safety amidst severe weather warnings and anticipated disruptive rain this week.

See the full press release here: https://www.franschhoekbastille.co.za/about

*Original tickets are still valid, exclusively for the new dates and are not refundable.

🚨Attention: Important update on ASI service guidelines for all ASI contests and judged service skills in ASI exams🚨

"As a general rule, the sommelier will let the host approve the wine/beverage and then serve the guests clockwise, regardless of gender. One exception: A guest of honour mentioned by the host."

Note: ASI recommends serving clockwise but won't penalise candidates for serving the traditional way.

This shift moves from a 'ladies first' mentality towards a more gender-neutral service. Share your thoughts on the new recommendation in the comments below.

Get your tickets before it’s too late!🍷

Exciting News!

The Gérard Basset Foundation and the International Wine Education Centre (IWEC) are offering bursaries for the prestigious WSET Level 3 in Wines course! 🌍🍇

Open to members seeking opportunities to advance their careers, this life-changing opportunity in Stellenbosch starts in September.

Apply at the link before 31 July and take your wine education to the next level!

Apply here: https://thewinecentre.co.za/news/gerard-basset-foundation-bursary-2024-3/

Winter Wine | 29 June 2024

🍷 Use Code SASA for 20% off your ticket price 🍷

SASA will be at the Time Out Market Cape Town on Saturday 29 June for another incredible wine festival in the heart of the V&A Waterfront. If you joined us last month, you will know that it was a ⚡️VIBE⚡️

Grab your crew and come through for an afternoon of wine with these producers:
⚫️ Black Oystercatcher Black Oystercatcher Wines
⚫️ Die Kat Se Snor
⚫️ La Vierge La Vierge Wines & Restaurant
⚫️ Luddite
⚫️ Mooiplaas Mooiplaas Wine Estate
⚫️ Neethlingshof Neethlingshof
⚫️ Oak Valley Oak Valley Farms
⚫️ Newton Johnson
⚫️ Nice Beverage Company
⚫️ Quoin Rock Quoin Rock Wine Estate
⚫️ Villiera Villiera Wines

Saturday, 29 June 2024
13:00 - 17:00
All wine tastings included + take your glass home.
Upstairs at the TimeOut Market, V&A Waterfront
R350 pp online from Howler / R350 pp at the door
Use CODE SASA and save R50 (online only)