How to Become 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 appropriate 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.

See Yourself As The Next Top Sommelier In Africa? The World? Here’s How!

The South African Sommeliers Association (SASA) is an internationally recognised organisation and member of the global sommelier body Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI). Sharing the collective vision, SASA’s mission is to raise the standard of wine knowledge and service in South Africa to reflect the benchmark of international wine service standards.

With every South African wine that makes the headlines, with every new sommelier putting their stamp on a wine program, we set the bar a little higher. It becomes harder and harder to compete in this industry without the services of a qualified professional. Now is the time to make a career for yourself!

Wine Courses

Education is the vehicle for an exciting journey into the incredible world of Sommellerie. It holds the key to growth of knowledge, never-ending opportunities and life-changing experiences. SASA is a proud advocate of continuous learning and development for sommeliers in SA.

The two educational institutions approved by SASA as its official training service providers are The Sommeliers Academy and Apeirogon Youth Development Academy. With 80 years combined industry experience, each of these Service Providers has its own dynamic and engaging wine education modules and training courses. They offer a complete theoretical and practical package to achieve the competency level for the SASA certified exams.

Should you wish to sign up for a course, reach out to Sommelier Academy and Apeirogon Youth; they would love to hear from you.

In addition to SASA’s service providers, there are a number of wine schools that are deemed advantageous to potential exam candidates. SASA encourages prospective exam applicants to explore the multitude of learning avenues to enrich your knowledge and experience. Find the links to further resources below:

CWA – https://www.capewineacademy.co.za/