WOSA WORLD

WOSA supports Belgium & Netherlands Sommelier Guilds

14 October 2014

Wines of South Africa works closely with the Sommelier Guilds in The Netherlands and Belgium to bring premium South African wines to the attention of key sommeliers in these two countries. This year WOSA sponsored both countries’ 'Best Sommelier' competitions.

Both competitions featured a strong South African element – with questions and wines from South Africa.

The winners receive a week-long trip to South Africa during Cape Wine 2015 for an unforgettable experience in our beautiful winelands. This will make them important ambassadors for South Africa in the market.

The Netherlands

On 22 September the final round of the Dutch 'Best Sommelier' competition took place. The three finalists were: Job Seuren (De Librije), Lotte Wolf (Pure C) and Ruben Kwakman (Parkheuvel). After a very tough competition, Ruben Kwakman came out as the winner and will carry the title for two years. Ruben is the sommelier at Parkheuvel – a two-star Michelin restaurant in Rotterdam (http://parkheuvel.nl/sommelier).

Belgium

On 12 October the final round of the Belgian 'Best Sommelier' competition took place. The three finalists were: Benoît Couderé of 'De Karmeliet' (Brugge), Jasper Van Papeghem of 'Hostellerie L'Esco' (Wetteren) and Antoine Lehebel from Villa Lorraine.

Antoine Lehebel was announced as the winner and will carry the title of 'Best Sommelier of Belgium' during 2015. Antoine works at the famous Restaurant Villa Lorraine in Brussels (http://www.villalorraine.be/en/restaurant-la-villa-lorraine.html) – he does not currently list South African wines but we are sure that will change after his visit!

The competition received great media coverage and Antoine was even interviewed on television.

https://www.rtbf.be/video/detail_l-invite-du-13-heures-antoine-lehebel-le-meilleur-sommelier-de-l-annee-en-belgique?id=1962870

http://www.demorgen.be/etendrinken/antoine-lehebel-van-la-villa-lorraine-beste-sommelier-van-belgie-a2087161/23yGHu/