Miguel Chan - Sommelier at The Cellars-Hohenort is the best in the country!

Miguel Chan - Sommelier at The Cellars-Hohenort is the best in the country!

Posted Jul 13, 2007

The steady composure that comes with self-confidence in the face of competitive situations can only happen when specialized knowledge is buttressed by passion and a love for the subject. Performing with such grace under pressure lead to success for Miguel Chan, sommelier and beverage manager at The Cellars Hohenort in Constantia who clinched the title as South Africa's first national Jeune Sommelier by the Chaine des Rotisseurs.

Chan will represent South Africa at the inaugeral International Jeunes Sommeliers Competition on September 7th in Frankfurt Germany during the German Grand Chapitre. It will be held concurrently with the Annual Jeunes Commis Rotisseurs Competition.

The new Jeune Sommeliers competition, which is open to sommeliers/ wine waiters between the ages of 21 - 32 years, holds special significance for wine professionalism and stands on equal footing with the Jeunes Commiss Competition.


"The seven candicates who entered the first national round were in for a hard time," says Monty Friendship, Echanson of the Chaine des Rotisseurs .

Their knowledge of international wines and spirits were put to the test in a gruelling three part evaluation - theory, service and blind tasting.

The theory portion is written and lasts for one hour, testing deep knowledge in all areas of wine, wine production, laws, viticulture and vinification as well as spirits, beers, ales, ciders, ports and sherry.

"South Africa is one of only ten countries who will take part in Germany later this year. This is a feather in our cap, as not even France, nor Italy will be taking part in this tough competition," reckons Friendship. Congratulations Miguel!