SASA offers a range of qualifications – from entry-level to extended, internationally-recognised – and exciting industry-related competitions to its members. The organisation is recognised internationally by the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI), the global body responsible for sommelier organisations in over 60 countries worldwide.
SASA has just announced the launch of its one-of-a-kind qualification for service industry professionals of any level – The Introductory Sommelier Certificate. This new qualification aims to empower the thousands of professionals working in the industry without any previous professional qualifications with basic wine and service certification.
“There are approximately 10 000 eateries in South Africa, and it is a fair estimation that at least 7 500 serve wine. The introductory certification gives the thousands of people who work in the industry without any formal service or wine qualifications an opportunity to offer more knowledgeable and professional service and to maximise their opportunities to earn,” says newly appointed SASA Head of Operations, Erica Taylor.
“We envision this course to become the benchmark for starting as a sommelier. Often, after completing one of our certifications, candidates come back for further engagement and qualifications. The ripple effect is that millions of people – whether local or international – experiencing South African hospitality in any establishment will receive proper basic wine service.”
What you need to know:
Introductory Sommelier Certificate costs R500 p.p. to write exams at one of SASA’s nationwide venues.
Introductory Sommelier Certificate date, March 31 2022.
To sit the exams, attendees must be current members. The membership cost is R250 annually.
Details: www.sommeliers.org.za
