SASA raises R100K for fundraiser at Culture Wine Bar

The South African Sommeliers Association (SASA) hosted a gala and auction dinner at Culture Wine Bar to help elevate sommeliers in South Africa.

Owner, chef and Auctioneer for the evening, Matt Manning, was on fire as the bids came flying through at Culture Wine Bar’s ‘The Wine Library’ last week.

The highest lot for the live auction sold for R7 750 and contained six bottles of Klein Constantia Vin de Constance 2018. The highest bid for the silent auction went for R3 750 for a collectors case of Hamilton Russell Pinot Noir 2015, 2016, 2017.

“We are overwhelmed by your support of our first (but not last) fundraising auction. The planning was such an endeavour of love, and it is incredible to see the fruits of our labour come to life,” says SASA head of operations, Erica Taylor.

“Your support will help us raise the level of service in South African hospitality and open the door for more qualified wine specialists.”

“The final outcome far exceeded my most ambitious expectations. The magnitude of what we achieved at the fundraising dinner was quite simply magnificent,” says SASA chairman Spencer Fondaumiere.

“It is more than just a financial shot in the arm but a real vote of confidence in what we are trying to achieve. We have some very lofty ambitions to make a significant impact, and the funds we have raised will go a long way towards bringing them to life.”

There are so many people to thank who made the evening possible, most significantly all those who donated many items:

• Cap Classique Association

• Cape Wine Academy

• Culture Wine Bar & Matt Manning

• Pinotage Association

• Premium Independent Wineries of South Africa (PIWOSA)

• Shane Mumba

• Stellenbosch Wine Route

• Zwiesel Glassware by Ambience Hospitality

“When we opened Culture Wine Bar, we did so with the vision of not only championing the South African wine industry but also safeguarding its future by creating opportunities for those who want to be a part of this wonderful industry. Through partnering with SASA, we were thrilled to be able to contribute towards the upskilling of SA’s sommeliers,” says Matt Manning.

For more info on how to get involved, please email [email protected], or to become a member, click here.

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