News

The Stellenbosch Wine Routes is proud to congratulate the winner of the prestigious Ubuntu Trophy international sommeliers contest, the largest of its kind in Africa. The winning team representing Mauritius was named 2025 Champion after a gruelling four-way contest at the Lanzerac Estate Hotel on Monday, December 8.

Established to recognise emerging talent and elevate professional wine service, the Ubuntu Sommeliers Trophy has become a cornerstone in the advancement of wine education. This year’s champion embodies the curiosity, discipline and passion that the industry strives to cultivate, reflecting the Stellenbosch Wine Routes’ ongoing commitment to nurturing the next generation of wine leaders and strengthening South Africa’s presence on the world stage.

The demand for this kind of event and its success was evident once again this year. Having expanded and joined by Mauritius last year, founders South Africa and Zimbabwe also had to face off against this year’s newcomers from Kenya. Mauritius was crowned victor in 2024.

“Congratulations to Team Mauritius, the Sommelier’s Academy that once again put on a worldclass event and the Sommelier Association of South Africa (SASA),” says Stellenbosch Wine Routes manager Elmarie Rabe. “Sommeliers play an essential role in shaping the way the world experiences our wines. Their knowledge, passion and ability to connect people with the stories behind every bottle make them invaluable ambassadors for the industry. By guiding consumers with insight, they help deepen appreciation for South African wine and drive the culture of excellence we strive for in Stellenbosch. Investing in their growth is investing in the future of our wine heritage.

“The Stellenbosch Wine Routes is proud to support the development of this industry through events such as the Ubuntu Sommelier Trophy.”

Mauritius was represented this year by Jaisen Pandoo, Assistant Head Sommelier at Constance Prince Maurice and newly crowned Best Sommelier of Mauritius 2025, and Shani Ramasawmy, Sommelier & Wine Events Coordinator for Constance and Best Sommelier 2022.

This year’s challenge continued to build on its excellent local and global status through the involvement of international experts that complement the panel of judges.

The international contingent of the panel of judges comprised Giuseppe Vaccarini, a winner of the title Best Sommelier in the World and director of the International Association of Sommeliers (ASI), and ASI vice president Michèle Chantôme.

In the lead-up to the Ubuntu Sommeliers Trophy finals, competitors were nominated by their respective national organisations, with a select group travelling to South Africa to compete for a place in the final.
As in the past, each of the finalists perform a series of tasks on stage,  in front of a public audience. These assignments – the details of which are kept secret until the day of the event - cover service, pairing, sales, identification, theory and guest interaction.

The finalists aren’t only put through the wringer on all aspects of wine. They also face questions around associated drinks including beer and brandy.

In addition to Stellenbosch Wine Routes, the competition is co-sponsored by the Beer Association of South Africa and the South African Brandy Foundation.