Aljoe “Joe” Mario Beziek has been named South Africa’s Best Young Sommelier 2026, claiming the title after a tightly contested final at the Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa on 1 July. The sommelier from Ellerman House in Cape Town – where Eat Out star restaurant Curate is located – impressed judges with flawless table service, blind tasting prowess and sharp business acumen during the South African Sommeliers Association (SASA) competition.

Six quarter-finalists from across the country competed, with the field narrowing to three semi-finalists before Aljoe emerged as the final winner. Armed with a B.Agric in Oenology & Viticulture and certifications from both SASA and ASI, he had what it takes to beat the rest.

The judging panel noted that this year’s competition was one of the closest to date, reflecting a significant rise in the standard of professional wine service in South Africa. “The sheer calibre of talent on display made our final deliberations incredibly tough and proves that the future of South African hospitality is in phenomenal hands,” said judge Mxolisi Mahashi.

Fellow judge Elton Damon, the Eat Out Wine Service Award winner for 2026, called it “a privilege to witness the passion and talent of the next generation of sommeliers,” while moderator Lloyd Jusa noted a “fearless new generation of talent who aren’t just mastering tradition, but actively redefining the future of hospitality.”

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The rising standard of wine service in South Africa was a common theme among the judging panel, with Tawanda Marume praising the “impressive and encouraging” competence level across all candidates.

SASA Chair Laurie Cooper says, “The calibre of talent, service and knowledge demonstrated by the younger generation of sommeliers is immensely promising for the future of both the profession and South Africa’s hospitality industry.”

The competition highlights the critical role that mentorship and structured education play in elevating local wine professionals to an international standard.