The 2025 Best Sommelier of South Africa competition took place on the opening night of Cape Wine at The Rockefeller Hotel in Cape Town this week, where Armand Ridgard was crowned the winner. This exciting competition challenges contestants to showcase their skills, technique, and wine knowledge live on stage before an audience and a panel of judges.

The morning session saw seven of South Africa’s top sommeliers take part in the semi-finals, which tested their tasting ability, theoretical knowledge, and service acumen. semi-finalists for their professionalism and passion throughout the day. Armand impressed the judges with his technical excellence, his grace under pressure and hospitality mindset.

“Winning the title of Best Sommelier of South Africa is an immense honour,” he says. “One that fills me with gratitude and a deep sense of responsibility. This competition was a humbling experience, and I commend every courageous contestant who stepped forward to be judged by a world-class panel. Their bravery and passion are a testament to the spirit of our industry.”

Image: Jenna Lemmer

The annual competition, facilitated by the South African Sommeliers Association (SASA), is recognised as a benchmark for excellence – celebrating the talent and dedication within South Africa’s flourishing wine and restaurant scene. It also advances and elevates the sommelier profession in South Africa, paving the way for a promising future.

Erica Taylor, Vice Chair of SASA shared: “This year’s competition was one of the strongest we’ve seen. The energy in the room, the talent on stage, and the support from our community was inspiring.”

Armand says “as sommeliers, we take immense pride in representing the extraordinary people who pour their heart and soul into crafting South Africa’s remarkable wines. It’s a beautiful industry to be a part of. I am excited to serve as an ambassador and to continue telling our story with absolute reverence and delight.”

The sommeliers were evaluated by the following panel of expert local and international judges:

• Ronan Sayburn MS – CEO, Court of Master Sommeliers

• Edouard Oger MS – Court of Master Sommeliers (semi-final judge)
• Marc Friederich – Best Sommelier of Switzerland 1991
• Janni Berndt Dahl – Chair, Swedish Sommelier Association
• Jerome Faure – Chair, Association of Mauritius Sommeliers
• Jo Wessels – 7th Best Sommelier of the World (Task creation)

Also read: How Michelle Erasmus is reimagining the art of wine service