Ubuntu Sommeliers Trophy

15/04/2026

The Stellenbosch Wine Routes Ubuntu International Sommelier Trophy first started as a competition between South Africa and Zimbabwe.
Since then it evolved into the largest sommelier contest in Africa, hopefully welcoming Sommelier Association of Kenya - SOKA, Association des Sommeliers de l' Ile Maurice and Nigeria in 2026, to challenge Zimbabwe and South Africa.

Thanks to our partners, we make the African sommellerie globally relevant.

South African Sommeliers Association
Sommeliers Association of Zimbabwe

22/01/2026

One of the most experienced local judge for the Stellenbosch Wine Routes Ubuntu Trophy 2025 is Marc Friederich, a proud Alsatian, former Best Sommelier of Switzerland, and accomplished chef. He is now one of the most talked-about well-being coach in South Africa.
He advocates that a good life is a question of balance!
His Mediterranean-inspired nutrition mentoring can coexist with great wines in moderation.
Marc was in charge of judging the food pairing skills of the candidate, and their knowledge of beers, since Beer Association South Africa was a key partner in the event.

Thank you Marc for your energy and your dedication to the sommeliers of the world.

Thanks to our partners for having made this event possible. See you in 2026.

19/01/2026

Wayve Kolevsohn is one of the most experienced South African sommelier, managing the beverage side of the Royal Portfolio group.
She volunteered to assess the candidates of the 2025 Stellenbosch Wine Routes Ubuntu Sommeliers Trophy to make sure each contestant was offered a fair chance to shine.
Thank you Wayve for your support.

The Royal Portfolio
Lanzerac Wine Estate

16/01/2026

The Stellenbosch Wine Routes Ubuntu Trophy is making the international headlines!

ASI Member News: Consecutive Wins for Mauritius of Ubuntu International Sommelier Trophy 🏆

Team Mauritius has once again claimed the Ubuntu International Sommelier Trophy, securing a second consecutive victory at the 2025 edition held on 8 December at the historic Lanzerac Hotel in Stellenbosch. 👏🤩 Competing against teams from Kenya, Zimbabwe and South Africa, the continental final brought together Africa’s top sommelier talent following demanding semi-finals that tested skills across wine service, blind tasting, theory, sake and beer identification, menu explanation and pairing challenges. 💪 The final round, hosted in partnership with Stellenbosch Wine Routes, further showcased the competitors’ versatility with tasks spanning sparkling wine service, still and fortified wines, spirits, water service and beer-and-food pairing, all overseen by an international jury chaired by Giuseppe Vaccarini, former ASI Best Sommelier of the World.🥂

Team Mauritius who was represented by Jaisen Pandoo and Shani Ramasawmy, both former national champions, retained the Ubuntu Trophy, while George Young (South Africa) earned the highest individual score, receiving the Stellenbosch Wine Routes Award. 🍷 Featuring eight finalists from Mauritius, Kenya, Zimbabwe and South Africa, the sixth edition of the Ubuntu Trophy reaffirmed its role as a vital platform for showcasing African excellence in sommellerie. The event was organised by Jean-Vincent Ridon. 👏

Our congratulations to the winners, all competitors and the organising committee - a memorable sommelier event for Africa! 🔥

15/01/2026

The Stellenbosch Wine Routes Ubuntu Trophy is the beating heart of the African sommeliers.
Will we get more countries competing in 2026?
Congratulations to:
Sommeliers Association of Zimbabwe
Sommelier Association of Kenya - SOKA
South African Sommeliers Association
Association des Sommeliers de l' Ile Maurice

Stellenbosch Wine Routes

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15/01/2026

Great to see such a coverage about the Stellenbosch Wine Routes Ubuntu Trophy 2025!

Thanks to our long time partners
Stellenbosch Wine Routes
Beer Association South Africa
South African Brandy Foundation
Lanzerac Wine Estate

18/12/2025

The Stellenbosch Wine Route Ubuntu Trophy has opened the door to the world for African sommeliers.
This is now a global competition.
Congratulations to all the contestants

Stellenbosch Wine Routes
Sommeliers Association of Zimbabwe
Sommelier Association of Kenya - SOKA
Association des Sommeliers de l' Ile Maurice
South African Sommeliers Association

Teams from South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Mauritius will vie for the 2024 Ubuntu International Sommeliers Trophy in Stellenbosch.

13/12/2025

Thanks the South African Brandy Foundation for their support! We are proud to be associated with the best brandy of the world.

13/12/2025

For its first participation, Team Kenya shows the immense potential of the Kenyan sommeliers!
Let's hope they will be back in 2026, to win!

Sommelier Association of Kenya - SOKA

12/12/2025

George Yong, Best Young Sommelier of South Africa 2024, has been achieving the highest individual score at the Ubuntu Trophy 2025.
He works as Head Sommelier for Dusk restaurant.
Thanks to Miles Mossop Wines and Stellenbosch Wine Route for the prizes.

Stellenbosch Wine Routes