September 2025 was a VERY busy month, with Cape Wine 2025 taking place at the CTICC - the country's largest display of its wonderful wines to the trade - mostly international. There are plenty of events surrounding the event and not to be overshadowed, the 2025 Best Sommelier competition was held after Day 1 of Cape Wine at a nearby hotel. Many of the usual suspects participated but with one outsider, who has been working internationally for a while and recently returned to Cape Town. Congratulations go to Armand Ridgard, who was crowned the Best Sommelier of South Africa 2025, taking over the reins and trophy from the 2023 Best Sommelier of SA, Jean Vincent Ridon, who has been an extraordinary ambassador for South African wine.Armand's experience working at Fyn and being the sommelier at the Michelin-starred Restaurant JAN in Nice has contributed to his top class performance and look forward to seeing what is in store for him since returning to live in South Africa.The very able runners up were the current Best Young Sommelier of SA - George Young, alongside the current new chair of the Sommeliers Association of SA (SASA), Laurie Cooper. The finals are always very tense and challenging, with a few curve balls thrown in. Thanks to Jo Wessels who set the bar high with his challenging tasks. Jo is South Africa's highest awarded sommelier, coming 7th in the world in 2023 - read more HERE