The South African Sommeliers Association (SASA) has recently elected its new board, and for the first time since its founding in 2010, SASA will be led by an all-female executive team. Acclaimed sommelier and educator Laurie Cooper was voted in as Chair, with sommelier and wine judge Erica Taylor chosen as Vice Chair. With their new team, these leading ladies are poised to usher in a new era for the country’s top sommelier organisation.

The other board members are Andrew Shelly (Treasurer), Lennox Nyengera (Member Relations), and Jean-Vincent Ridon.

Having more women in leadership positions is a sign of progress that she sees reflected throughout the industry, but there’s still work to be done, says Erica. “There are still challenges – especially when it comes to access, respect and visibility,” she says. “We still need to ensure women are supported at every level of the industry, not just at the top.”

Building on excellence

SASA plays a significant role in advancing the sommelier profession in South Africa through competitions, partnerships and advocacy. “We’re connected to global networks through ASI and CMS, but also rooted in the realities of working in South Africa,” Erica says. “That means we’re advocating for international standards and opportunities for our members, while also dealing with local challenges like access, education, and job readiness. It’s about helping our sommeliers be competitive globally and supported locally.”

Having been involved in the organisation for over six years, previously serving as General Manager, Erica has a thorough understanding of the organisation’s daily activities. In her role as Vice Chair – a position that was reinstated to reflect the organisation’s broader strategy to increase operational capacity, regional representation, and industry relevance – she will especially focus on long-term planning and member engagement. “I want to make sure SASA is growing in a sustainable way and creating real value for the people we serve,” she says.

Laurie takes over from Spencer Fondaumiere, who has served in SASA’s leadership for the past eight years. “I have huge respect for the work Spencer did for the organisation, both on a personal level and as a businessman,” she says. “Spencer operated with grace, understanding and professionalism. He grew SASA from an organisation barely able to pay bills (speaking from experience as treasurer in 2021), to a profitable organisation that is run as an efficient business, bringing in specialised individuals and has both the room for growth as well as the resources to make a real difference in education and the service industry. I hope to continue this trajectory and see the growth continue.”

Fostering growth

Besides running competitions and offering certifications, the organisation will also be looking at ways to support people earlier in their careers. “We want to go deeper, creating opportunities that don’t just test their skills but also help them grow,” Erica says. “Fellow board member Lennox Nyengera is our man on the floor when it comes to this. He’s actively building relationships with young sommeliers and helping us understand what support they really need.”

By creating more opportunities for training, networking and access to jobs, SASA will help ensure that people with talent and drive get all the support they need to succeed. “There’s a shared goal across the board to be more transparent, more collaborative, and more responsive to what our members actually need,” Erica adds. “We want SASA to feel like an active, useful part of people’s careers – not just an accreditation.”

Shaping the future

The work will necessarily involve addressing lingering inequalities in the wine service industry. “It’s a huge priority,” Laurie says. “We know that many talented people are held back simply because they can’t afford training or don’t have the right connections. We’re working on expanding bursary programmes, creating mentorship opportunities, and offering more practical training to help bridge that gap. It’s not just about qualifications – it’s about building real career pathways.”

What outcomes define success for the new team? “If more sommeliers across the country feel seen, supported, and connected because of SASA,” she says. “I’d also like to see more of our members being recognised internationally – whether that’s through competitions, certifications, or high-profile roles.”

“But just as importantly, I want people here at home to feel like SASA is listening, responding, and actually helping them build their careers.”