The highly anticipated Star Wine List of the Year South Africa event is back and promises to be an unforgettable celebration of excellence in the world of wine.
On 16 September, the South African Sommeliers Association (SASA) and Star Wine List will gather wine enthusiasts, sommeliers and industry professionals to celebrate the finest wine lists in the country.
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The event, hosted at Hazendal Wine Estate in Stellenbosch, will showcase the most exceptional wine collections, featuring renowned establishments that have earned their place in the spotlight.
‘We are excited to return to South Africa to celebrate the great wine lists and teams across the country,’ said Krister Bengtsson, founder of Star Wine List.
‘Besides the esteemed sommeliers Tawanda Maruma and Julie Dupouy, this year we bring not only one but two sommelier world champions to the jury: Marc Almert, ASI Best Sommelier of the 2016 and Raimonds Tomsons who won the championship this year,’ added Bengtsson.
Distinguished by an all-star lineup of judges, Star Wine List of the Year South Africa will elevate the wine competition to unparalleled heights, ensuring an impeccable and fair evaluation of the participating wine lists.
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Meet the esteemed panel of this year’s judges:
Raimonds Tomsons
Reigning Best Sommelier of the World 2023 and the recipient of numerous accolades and titles, including Best Sommelier of Europe and Africa 2017, Raimonds Tomsons is a true luminary in the wine world.
His refined palate and vast knowledge make him a vital asset to the Star Wine List of the Year South Africa, ensuring a fair and rigorous evaluation process.
Marc Almert
As the ASI Best Sommelier of the World 2019, Marc Almert’s discerning taste and passion for wine elevate the competition to international standards of excellence.
Marc’s presence on the panel adds a global perspective, enriching the event’s reputation.
Julie Dupouy
With an impressive background as Ireland’s best-known female sommelier, Julie Dupouy’s contributions to the wine industry have been exemplary.
Her insights and judgement will be key in determining the most outstanding wine lists.
Tawanda Marume
With an impressive career spanning several continents, Tawanda Marume has become one of the most respected voices in the wine industry.
As the Best Sommelier of Zimbabwe 2019, Tawanda brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the judging panel, adding prestige to the event.
The criteria for the jury is straightforward but not simple: Vote for the most exciting wine list representing the category.
The international categories include:
- Grand Prix – presented by Winterhalter (the best list overall)
- Best Long List – presented by Winterhalter (for wine lists with more than 600 references)
- Best Medium-sized List – presented by Amorium Cork (200 to 600 references)
- Best Short List (<200 references)
- Best Sparkling Wine List – presented by Nyetimber
- Best By the Glass List
- Best Newcomer List
- Sustainable Wine List
The Star Wine List of the Year South Africa awards will take place alongside the Best Sommelier of South Africa 2023 Competition.
The winners in the international categories will qualify for Star Wine List’s International Final set to take place in June 2024, where they will face off with the category winners from other countries and continents.
The event recognises the exceptional efforts of talented sommeliers and establishments, and encourages continuous improvement and growth within the industry.
Save the date for the Star Wine List of the Year South Africa on 16 September at Hazendal Wine Estate, and prepare to be enchanted by the world of fine wines, judged by an unrivalled panel of wine connoisseurs.
To enter your wine list, click here (deadline is Sunday, 30 July 203 and entry is free).
For further information, please contact Erica Taylor, general manager of the South African Sommeliers Association.
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Picture: Supplied
