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About Us
The South African Sommeliers Association (SASA) has established itself as an integral part of the food and wine industry in South Africa. The movement was started in 2010 when a group of the same minded individuals got together in the hope of forming an association to help uplift and promote the service of wine in South Africa. SASA is a non-profit organisation and aims to offer its services to service industry professionals in South Africa. The association offers internationally recognised Sommelier qualifications to all its members and organises the best sommelier and best young sommelier competitions in alternating years. SASA is a proud member of the ASI (Association de la Sommellerie Internationale) , the globally recognised Sommelier body, through the ASI SASA liaises with associations from other countries and will therefore act as an official representative of its professional membership within South Africa.
Meet The Team
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"Our aim is to empower the professionals that dedicate themselves to the service of food and beverage, through certifications and competitions".
Spencer Fondaumiere (Chairperson)
• ASI diploma Sommelier
• WSET Level 3
• CWA Certification
• Michael Fridjohn wine judging Academy
Founder Somm on call and Wineyard East Africa
Tawanda Marume
• ASI Sommelier Level 1
• Cape Wine Academy Diploma
• South African Adavanced Garagiste Winemaking Course
• Van Ryn’s Advanced Brandy Course
• Best Sommelier of Zimbabwe 2020
• Founder of Expression Wines Africa
Jean-Vincent Ridon
• ASI Sommelier Diploma
• SASA Certified Sommeliers
• CMS Certified Sommeliers
• Best Sommelier of SA 2023.
• ASI Exam & Education board member
• Founder of Sommelier Academy and Signal Hill winery
Le Roi van de Venter
(Treasurer)
• WSET level 2 and 3
• Business of Wine Certificate, UCT GSB
• BSc Geological and Earth, NWU
• South African Wine Course History and Structure of South African Wine
• Wineguild Chairman
• South African Brandy Foundation
What is a Sommelier?
A sommelier is a professional from the vitivinicultural and catering sectors (restaurants, wine bars) wineries or other distribution channel that recommend and serve beverages at a professional level. Their field of activity is the service of wine in the catering industry or in establishments selling wine, as well as the provision of specialised advice for those involved in the wine market, by ensuring appropriates presentation and service of products. The sommelier has completed a training course that leads to a university qualification or other certification and is consistent with the definition, role and skills covered in this resolution.