Celebrating Culinary Excellence: Mauritius Triumphs at the Ubuntu Sommeliers Trophy

The Stellenbosch Wine Routes proudly congratulates the winning team of the prestigious Ubuntu Trophy international sommeliers contest, the largest of its kind in Africa. The winning team from Mauritius was crowned the 2025 Champion after an intense four-way contest held at the Lanzerac Estate Hotel on December 8.

Elmarie Rabe, the Stellenbosch Wine Routes manager, expressed pride in the event: “Congratulations to Team Mauritius and the Sommelier Academy for delivering a world-class event, as well as the Sommelier Association of South Africa (SASA). Sommeliers play a vital role in shaping how the world experiences our wines, and their expertise enhances appreciation for South African wine.”

Event Highlights

This year’s Ubuntu Sommeliers Trophy built on its excellent local and global reputation. The event showcased emerging talent and strengthened professional wine service within the industry. With Mauritius’s participation this year, it highlighted the growing interest in sommelier competitions across Africa.

Champion Team Details

Mauritius was represented by:

• Jaisen Pandoo, Assistant Head Sommelier at Constance Prince Maurice and the newly crowned Best Sommelier of Mauritius 2025
• Shani Ramasawmy, Sommelier & Wine Events Coordinator for Constance and the Best Sommelier of 2022

The Growth of the Ubuntu Trophy

The Ubuntu Trophy was established to recognize talent and promote education within the wine industry. This year, competitors faced challenges that tested their service, pairing, and theoretical knowledge, alongside their ability to engage with audiences.

“Investing in professional development is essential for the future of our wine heritage,” Rabe added. “Events like these are pivotal in nurturing the next generation of leaders in the wine industry.”

What Lies Ahead

The Ubuntu Trophy also included participants from South Africa, Zimbabwe, and the inaugural entrants from Kenya. As the competition grows, it strengthens the ties between African nations in the wine sector.

For further information about the Stellenbosch Wine Routes, email info@wineroute.co.za or call 021 886 4310. Discover Stellenbosch’s rich landscape of food, wine, history, and culture at www.wineroute.co.za.