This first-ever event will gather top industry decision-makers for a one-of-a-kind immersive experience this September
New York, NY, August 11, 2023 – Wines of South Africa (WoSA), the industry association that promotes the exports of South African wine, is excited to welcome and host 32 international sommeliers to South Africa for the first ever Sommelier Symposium, which takes place from September 10-17 in the Western Cape.
Following an extensive recruitment drive in key markets, the selected sommeliers will attend this exciting, week-long event, experiencing some of South Africa’s magnificent wine regions, visiting top wineries, and taking part in engaging masterclasses hosted by industry representatives.
WoSA USA is proud to announce that the following sommeliers will represent the United States at the Sommelier Symposium: Nicole Cheon, Sommelier at Nine Orchard in New York City; Morgan LaCroix, Wine Director and Lead Sommelier at Twin Farms in Barnard, Vermont; and Melissa McAvoy, Owner of Swirlery Wine Bar in Orlando, Florida.
“We’re excited to have Nicole, Morgan, and Melissa participate in WoSA’s first Sommelier Symposium,” says WoSA USA Country Manager, Jim Clarke. “South Africa has so much to offer for the US market, and being part of the Symposium will give them an interactive, immersive opportunity to learn more about the country’s excellent wines and unique regions – experience and knowledge they’ll be able to share with their customers and colleagues upon their return home.”
The objective of the Sommelier Symposium is to educate sommeliers on the diversity and uniqueness of South Africa’s terroir and the different styles and grape varieties it produces, as well as highlighting the country’s high level of wine quality and outstanding wine tourism offerings.
Included in their itinerary are visits to regions such as Stellenbosch, Constantia, the Swartland, Franschhoek, Paarl, Elgin, and the Hemel-en-Aarde. Masterclasses will be hosted by members of the Cap Classique Association, the Chenin Blanc Association, the Chardonnay Forum, the Old Vines Project, and the Pinotage Association, among others.
The week ends on a high note as the international sommeliers get the opportunity to mingle with local sommelier talent at a dinner event hosted at Hazendal Wine Estate in Stellenbosch. For the occasion, WoSA is working in partnership with the Sommelier
Association of South Africa (SASA), on the evening that they announce the SASA Sommelier of the Year.
An event like this can’t take place without the generous support of the Symposium’s sponsors, which include DHL, DGB, Krone, Hillebrand GORI, and Vergelegen.
Be sure to follow the sommeliers throughout the week of September 10-17 via social media on the following links/handles:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
WOSAUS - Instagram: @wosa_usa
- Twitter: @WOSA_USA
- Hashtag: #SommelierSymposium2023
About Wines of South Africa (WoSA)
Wines of South Africa (WoSA) is a not-for-profit organization which promotes the export of all South African wine in key international markets. Apart from the head office in Stellenbosch, South Africa, WoSA also has offices in Johannesburg, England, Canada, USA, Sweden, China, The Netherlands and Germany.
