iHosted at the prestigious Lanzerac Hotel in Stellenbosch, the 2024 Ubuntu International Sommeliers Trophy marked a historic moment with the Team Mauritius, joining the established teams from South Africa and Zimbabwe.
Organized by the Sommeliers Academy under the leadership of Jean Vincent Ridon, the reigning Best Sommelier of South Africa and co-founder of the Sommeliers Association of Zimbabwe, the Ubuntu Trophy remains Africa’s only international sommelier competition. The competition’s unique team-based format celebrates collaboration and camaraderie, embodying the true essence of Ubuntu. Since its launch in 2020, the event has been proudly supported by Stellenbosch Wine Routes, reinforcing Stellenbosch’s reputation as a center of excellence for wine and sommellerie.
This year’s competition showcased an exceptional level of expertise, with a local judging panel featured distinguished experts, including Spencer Fondaumiere, Chairman of SASA and ASI Diploma holder; Andrew Shelly, DipWSET and WineLab specialist; Higgo Jacobs, Director of the ASI By-Law Committee; and Victor Okolo, co-founder of the Sommeliers Association of Nigeria.
An esteemed international jury also evaluated contestants via live video broadcast, led by Michèle Chantôme, ASI Vice President for Africa & the Middle East. The international panel also included Yvonne Heistermann, President of Sommeliers of Germany; Giuseppe Vaccarini, ASI Best Sommelier of the World and President of the ASI Education Committee; and Eric Zweibel, Master Sommelier.
The exhilarating final round tested competitors’ versatility across multiple disciplines, requiring skill, precision, and comprehensive knowledge. Tasks included: serving aperitifs, including an SA Brandy cocktail, Darling Brewery wheat beer, and Glenelly Chardonnay while avoiding the traps; decanting Klein Zalze Cabernet Sauvignon with precision; full description of a Flagstone Winery Viognier tasted blind; identifying beverages served in black Chef & Sommelier glasses, distinguishing nuances between bourbon and whisky, or between various beer styles; explaining a global menu, pairing dishes with wines, cocktails, beers, and other beverages from four continents.
This year, Team Mauritius made an outstanding debut, taking home the championship trophy. Additionally, Olivia Ravat from Mauritius earned the title of Highest Scorer.
The Ubuntu International Sommeliers Trophy is more than just a competition; it is a tribute to African excellence showcased on the global stage. With live streaming connecting audiences across five continents, this year’s event was an overwhelming success, concluding with a celebratory toast featuring Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel.
Participants :
Team Zimbabwe :
• Tadiswa Chikwanha
• Tinashe Musora
• Takura Makadzange (finaliste)
• Mxolisi Mahatshi (finaliste)
• Henryeta Muringwa
Team Mauritius :
• Olivia Ravat (finaliste)
• Jean-Desvaux Geerdarry (finaliste)
Team South Africa :
• Okuhle Sikade
• George Young (finaliste)
• Tumelo Andrew Moreo (finaliste)
• Gregory Lorimer
• Lehumo Masemola
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