THE resident sommelier at Vergenoegd Löw in Stellenbosch, George Young, has been honoured as the Best Young Sommelier of South Africa 2024 by an expert panel of the South African Sommeliers Association (Sasa).
A sommelier, or wine steward, is a trained and knowledgeable wine professional, normally working in fine restaurants, who specialises in all aspects of wine service as well as wine and food pairing.
Sasa said in a statement this week, “In an incredibly close contest held at Clara's Barn, Vergenoegd Löw Wine Estate, George Young impressed the judges with his expertise and precision, securing the top spot.”
Amos Sobashe, a Johannesburg-based wine consultant, claimed the position of first runner-up, while Gregory Lorimer of Oldenburg Vineyards finished as the second runner-up.
Sasa said each candidate brought unique strengths to the competition, making the final round a showcase of exceptional talent.
Sasa chairperson Spencer Fondaumiere praised the finalists, saying: “This year’s competition was fiercely competitive, with each finalist demonstrating remarkable skill and passion. It was a tough decision for the judges, and we are incredibly proud of how far each of these sommeliers has come. Their future in the industry looks bright.“
Sasa added, “As the winner, George Young will embark on a tour of France, visiting the properties of Sasa partner Advini, a leading global wine business, to gain valuable insights into the international wine industry.”
The Michael Ratcliffe Bursary, which covers flights for the Team South Africa elite sommelier training group, will support not only Young but also Sobashe and Lorimer.
“This bursary ensures ongoing development for the country's top young sommeliers, providing them with the resources and experiences to refine their craft and represent South Africa globally,” it said.
Michael Ratcliffe, the sponsor of the bursary, said, "This competition highlights the incredible talent within South Africa’s wine industry. It is our privilege to help these sommeliers continue their journey, and I am confident that George, Amos, and Gregory will represent South Africa with great distinction."
Vergenoegd Löw, talking about the winner, Young, said in a statement, “Calm, composed, and a consummate professional, George, who hails from Hoedspruit in Limpopo, demonstrates a quiet commitment and deep passion for sharing the joys of wine. His qualifications include WSET Level 3 and a diploma from the Cape Wine Academy. His next aim is to achieve the highly regarded Cape Wine Master qualification.”
Young considers Sasa’s Fondaumiere and accomplished sommelier Le Roi van de Vyver as his mentors. He views this accolade as the pinnacle of his career so far and credits those who invested their time and expertise in him, teaching him the nuances of the trade.
“I truly enjoy the sense of brother- and sisterhood we share as sommeliers in the Cape wine industry. We all learn from each other - such a privilege. I’m deeply thankful to every single person who has helped and inspired me along the way, and grateful for the opportunities that honed my skillset. That’s what got me to this point,” he said.
For Young, the magic of his work lies in forging connections with visitors. From sharing a table with a couple for an entire day to witnessing their delight in discovering new wines, these moments are at the heart of his favourite work experiences.
Vergenoegd Löw added, “At Vergenoegd Löw, George leads the Homestead Wine Lounge, located in the beautifully restored 1717 manor house. He empowers and encourages his team to attain WSET certifications and specialist sommelier qualifications, helping to advance their careers in wine.”
“I like paying it forward,” Young said. “I’ve experienced first hand the power of mentorship, so it’s only natural for me to do the same. It brings me great joy.”
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