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SOUTH Africa-based sommelier, Tawanda Marume, is raising the country’s flag high after representing Zimbabwe in different sommelier contests.
A sommelier is a waiter responsible for serving and giving advice about wine in a restaurant.
Marume, who mainly works with food and wine as well as spirits, coffees, teas and other beverages, represented Zimbabwe at the Best Sommelier of the World contest held in France.
The competition saw 68 candidates from 65 countries, with only four coming from Africa.
The four African contestants were from Zimbabwe, South Africa, Mauritius and Morocco.
Tawanda (right).
“We had an identification of four wines and a spirit as well as theory and service.
“After the first round, 17 candidates made it to the semi-finals and only three competed on stage in the final after another series of tasks.
“Raimonds Tomsons from Latvia emerged as the winner.
“It was a huge honour as I have always wanted to represent my country in virtually everything.
“The platform is one for the best of the best in the wine world and to be part of it is an experience of a lifetime.
“I felt so proud when they read out my name and country.
“This was for the best sommelier of the world and, to be Zimbabwe’s candidate, I competed with 15 other sommeliers and clinched the title of best Zimbabwean sommelier.”
The Best Sommelier of the World contest started in 2020 where about 18 sommeliers competed for the title.
In 2021, Marume competed in the Best Sommelier of Europe and Africa event in Cyprus.
“There were 31 candidates from 31 countries, two from Africa, Jo Wessels from South Africa and me, with the rest from Europe.
“This competition included an identification of a white wine by just inspecting the colour, smelling and tasting it.
“It was a white wine from Hungary, a grape called Furmint.
“After that we had an identification of three spirits and finally a service task.
“The contest was won by Salvatore Castano from Italy,” said Marume.
Online Reporter