The Vineyard Hotel hosted the Moët & Chandon Best Young Sommelier 2019 finals on Wed 25th Sept - putting the young 21-30-year old contestants to the test. There were 3 tests - so watch Laurie strutting her stuff HERE Congratulations to the Winner: Laurie Cooper - Abingdon Wine Estate - see video HERE to learn more about Laurie 2nd place went to: Tayla Kirschner - Sommeliers Academy 3rd place went to: LeRoi Van de Vyver - Belthazar Restaurant & Wine Bar Other contestants came from all over South AfricaJamie-Leigh Rodgers - JÉAN RestaurantGarreth Lubbe - KraakvarsJames Mukosi - Rust en Vrede Wine EstateShane Mumba - Waterkloof WinesTapiwa K Jamu - Ivory Manor Boutique HotelTumelo Andrew Moreo - Saxon Hotel, Villas and SpaMerykay Katlego Mathobela - Saint The prizes are extraordinary:• All expense trip to Champagne, courtesy of Moët & Chandon.• All expense trip to Barolo thanks to Collisioni Festival Progetto Vino and 3IC by Ian d’Agata.• Their very own Coravin by Great Domaines - importer and distributor of Fine wines• WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) a bursary via International Wine Education Centre• A beautiful decanter from Zwiesel Kristallglas by Ambience Hospitality Brands The Judges were:Germaine Esau - Myoga RestaurantWikus Human - Marble Restaurant & Saint RestaurantCathy Marston - International Wine Education CentreJoakim Hansi Blackadder Immenkamp - Somm Hospitality & South African Sommeliers AssociationLloyd Jusa- The Saxon Hotel, Villas and SpaBarry Scholfield - Somm Hospitality & South African Sommeliers Association Additional SponsorWinterhalter SA