Cape Sommelier Course

Due to a huge demand and support from the hospitality industry for a suitable qualification and having researched many options among English speaking countries, the following programme has been implemented in South Africa.

What is a Sommelier? (pronounced Soh-mell-Yay)
The core purpose of a Sommelier is to ensure that patrons are able to find a wine within their budget that fits their tastes and complements their food. A sommelier works with the kitchen to find suitable wines to pair with each meal on the menu, maintaining the standard of fine dining through creative food and wine pairing.

Course Overview
The Cape Sommelier qualification is a 7-module course for students who have completed 3 years of practical experience in the hospitality industry.

Module 1:
» The South African Wine Course (theory only) 16 hrs learning.
Module 2:
» The Certificate Course, which includes both a written and a practical wine tasting examination. 45 hrs learning.
Module 3:
» Wines of the World course (theory only) 28 hrs learning (Completion of the Diploma wine course would fulfil this requirement)
Module 4:
» Experience - Practical training in an establishment that serves wine and food, for a minimum of three years (references are required). This is not organised by the CWA.
Module 5:
» Wine and Food course. 4 hrs learning.
Module 6:
» Submission of three assignments (eg. drawing up a wine list) 9 hrs learning
Module 7:
» Practical presentation of wine and food session. 3 hours.

*This requires the candidate to organise a minimum of a three course meal, at a restaurant of their choice based in either Johannesburg/Stellenbosch or Cape Town, presenting wine and food chosen to demonstrate the candidate’s ability to act as a Sommelier. This is for the candidate’s own account. Three qualified judges plus one Cape Wine Academy judge will be present.

Total number of learning hours: 105 hours, plus three years practical experience.

Who should do this course?
If you are passionate about wine and want to become a highly trained and knowledgeable wine professional, specialising in all aspects of wine service, the Cape Sommelier course is for you. Sommeliers play a key role in restaurants and can greatly enhance a restaurant's operation and reputation.

The Cape Sommelier course caters for wine enthusiasts, tertiary students, and wine industry players, employees in the hospitality, retail and tourism industries and corporate clients.

Successful candidates will receive both a certificate and an official badge CAPE SOMMELIER