The 2026 Best Young Sommelier competition took place in July and for the first time was held in the city of gold, Johannesburg. Congratulations to winner Aljoe (Joe) Beziek (Ellerman House) and runners-up Ayanda Magele (The Saxon) and Benjamin Fast (Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff ) A special thank you to the The Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa for hosting the event in a world-class setting, whose support and hospitality helped create an exceptional experience for every competitor, judge and guest. Thank you to all the sponsors, judges, hosts, MC, volunteers, organisers, competitors and everyone who showed up to support our sommeliers, thank you for your passion, professionalism and commitment to raising the standard of the sommelier profession in South Africa.Well done to the South African Sommeliers Association for putting together a world-class event and raising the professionalism of the South African Wine and hospitality sector.