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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".
Laurie Cooper
• WSET Diploma
• Master of Wine Student
• SASA Level 2 Certified Sommelier
• Michael Fridjohn wine judging Academy Certification (Distinction)
• Winner Moet et Chandon Best Young Sommelier 2019
• Judged for the SAA wines selection panel, the Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show and London-based IWSC.
• Winner Moet et Chandon Best Young Sommelier 2019
• WSET Educator
• Sommelier and winemaker at Abingdon Wine Estate
Founder of KZN School of Wine
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Lennox Nyengera
• WSET 2
• SASA Level 2 Certified Sommelier
• Head Sommelier at Marble Restaurant
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
Andrew Shelly
• DipWSET (WSET Diploma in Wines and Spirits)
• WSET Spirits Level 3
• Michael Fridjhon Wine Judging Academy
• WSET Certified Educator
• SASA Level 2 Certified Sommelier
•Chevalier de l’Ordre des Coteaux de Champagne
• Master of Wine Student
Erica Taylor
• ASI Certification 1
• SASA Level 2 Certified Sommelier
• CSW
• WSET 3 (Merit)
• ASI Exam & Education board member
• Founder of Uncorkified
• Co-planning Africa's' first ASI GA 2025
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.