Organised by the Sommeliers Academy under the management of Jean Vincent Ridon, current Best Sommelier of South Africa and co-founder of the Sommeliers Association of Zimbabwe, the Ubuntu Trophy is Africa’s only international sommelier competition. Since its inception in 2020, the event has been supported by Stellenbosch Wine Routes, solidifying Stellenbosch as a hub for wine and sommelier excellence.

The competition’s unique team format highlights collaboration and camaraderie, true to the spirit of Ubuntu. This year, Team Mauritius made an unforgettable debut, taking home the championship trophy. Olivia Ravat of Mauritius earned the distinction of Highest Scorer, showcasing her unparalleled expertise.

A Competition of the Highest Standards

This year’s competition featured a jury of unmatched caliber. The local judging panel included:

  • Spencer Fondaumiere, SASA Chairman and ASI Diploma holder
  • Andrew Shelly, DipWSET and WineLab expert
  • Higgo Jacobs, Director of the ASI By-Law Committee
  • Victor Okolo, Co-founder of the Sommeliers Association of Nigeria

An esteemed international jury evaluated contestants via live video broadcast, led by Michèle Chantôme, ASI Vice President for Africa & Middle East, with members including:

  • Yvonne Heistermann, President of Sommeliers of Germany
  • Giuseppe Vaccarini, ASI Best Sommelier of the World and ASI Education Committee President
  • Eric Zweibel, Master Sommelier

The Final Challenges

The thrilling final round tasked competitors with showcasing their versatility across a variety of disciplines:

  1. Serving aperitifs, including an SA Brandy cocktail, Darling Brewery wheat beer, and Glenelly Chardonnay while avoiding the traps.
  2. Decanting Klein Zalze Cabernet Sauvignon with precision.
  3. A full description of a Flagstone Winery Viognier tasted blind.
  4. Identifying beverages served in black Chef & Sommelier glasses, distinguishing nuances between bourbon and whisky, or between various beer styles.
  5. Explaining a global menu, pairing dishes with wines, cocktails, beers, and other beverages from four continents.

Results

Winning Team: Team Mauritius Highest Scorer: Olivia Ravat (Mauritius)

Participants:

Team Zimbabwe:

  • Tadiswa Chikwanha
  • Tinashe Musora
  • Takura Makadzange (Finalist)
  • Mxolisi Mahatshi (Finalist)
  • Henryeta Muringwa

Team South Africa:

  • Okuhle Sikade
  • George Young (Finalist)
  • Tumelo Andrew Moreo (Finalist)
  • Gregory Lorimer
  • Lehumo Masemola

Team Mauritius:

  • Olivia Ravat (Finalist)
  • Jean-Desvaux Geerdarry (Finalist)

Uniting Africa’s Sommeliers

The Ubuntu Trophy, hosted annually by Stellenbosch Wine Routes, is more than a competition—it is a celebration of African excellence on the global stage. With live streaming connecting audiences across five continents, this year’s event was a resounding success, culminating in a celebratory toast with Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel.

This event was made possible through the generous support of Stellenbosch Wine Routes, Lanzerac Hotel, SA Brandy Foundation, BASA (Beer Association of South Africa), Chef & Sommelier glassware, Fanèl, Acqua Panna, S.Pellegrino water, Sommeliers Academy, and RGBC.

This innovative format, judged by a professional jury with live video broadcasting, has cemented the Ubuntu Trophy as a trailblazer in the global sommelier community.