Visit the winelands of South Africa, meet producers and join sommeliers from around the world.
In association with Sommelier Edit, Wines of South Africa announces a new initiative for 2023, the ‘Sommelier Symposium’ – a week-long visit to the Cape Winelands for sommeliers working in key export markets around the world.
The symposium is expected to be attended by 30 sommeliers and guests from across the globe.
The trip will be a mix of winery visits, regional overviews, masterclasses and tastings, which will allow guests to be fully immersed in the breathtakingly beautiful wine regions of South Africa, meet with top winemakers and enjoy the varied local cuisine in highly rated restaurants.
Wines of South Africa is offering three sommeliers from the UK market a chance to participate in the event.
Flights, accommodation and in-country travel are all included as part of the Sommelier Symposium. Details of how to enter are below and each application will be considered before the final three UK based sommeliers are selected. The aim is to select guests who have not previously visited South Africa’s wine regions.
This opportunity is open to anyone working full time as a sommelier in a UK restaurant. You must be available to travel to South Africa from 9th to 18th September 2023 and hold a valid passport. Terms and conditions apply.
Deadline for entry Monday 10th July 2023.
How to submit your application
It’s FREE, simple and easy to submit an application to win a trip to South Africa for the Sommelier Symposium. The three places to attend the Sommelier Symposium is open to all working sommeliers in the UK.
Sommelier Edit is open to all working sommeliers.
Login or Register
Login to your Sommelier Edit account and visit the Sommelier Symposium event registration form.
To become a member, simply sign up today, it’s FREE.
Upload your CV
Upload your CV, so we can see where you’ve worked and your level of experience.
Applications will be considered from all working sommeliers, with all different levels of experience.
About your list
Tell us about what South African wines you currently have on the wine list. Applications are invited from all sommeliers, irrespective of their current South Africa wine offering.
Why you should win
Tell us how important it will be for you to attend the Sommelier Symposium and how you’d make the most of the opportunity.
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EVENTS AND FURTHER LEARNING
Encounter South Africa
Date: Tuesday 4th July 2023
Time: 10.30 – 18.00
Venue: Between the Bridges, Queen’s Walk, South Bank, London SE1
Wines of South Africa is holding a tasting of over 70 South African wine producers in London this July.
For the first time since covid we are bringing together the industry in the UK market to highlight the leaps made in quality and excitement by this dynamic wine producing nation.
With sustainable farming and social projects at the heart of the South African wine industry, Encounter South Africa will feature the Tread Lightly Tasting Space showcasing wines with people and place at the core of their ethos.
During the event the Old Vine Project will hold a seminar focusing on planting to grow old and the impact of climate change on producers.
REGISTER NOW
Online Wine Course
This online course was put together by Wines of South Africa in conjunction with Cathy Marston, Head of the International Wine Education Centre and WSET Educator of the Year.
Six informative modules cover a variety of topics related to the South African wine industry, from history, varieties, wine styles and winegrowing areas to sustainable production and tourism. Each module is followed by a multiple choice quiz.
You need to pass each one in order to progress to the next (a pass = 80%). If you are unsuccessful on your first attempt, you can go back and redo the module. You will be able to save your session and login at another time. All course materials are downloadable and each module takes an hour or two to complete.
A certificate of completion will be issued to you at the end of the course. Results are not made public. This is not a requirement for entry but an additional resource.