Excitement is building around South Africa’s hosting of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ of soccer, and Wines of South Africa (WOSA) is getting in on the action by sponsoring a Sommelier World Cup to help celebrate the historic event.

Twelve countries will participate in the Sommelier World Cup, including Canada, Denmark, Germany, Russia, the UK, and the USA.  The competition is open to individuals who work in a hotel or in the restaurant business.  All semi-final events will take place in participants’ home countries during May and June of 2010.  The Eastern Canada semi-final, held in Toronto, will take place on Tuesday, May 18.  It will be followed by the Western Canada semi-final in Vancouver on Thursday, May 20 2010.

Winners from the semi-finals will have a week-long, all expenses paid, trip to South Africa for the final competition.  The final competition dates have been set for October 11^th to 19^th 2010.  The final showdown will be judged by a panel including both South African and international wine experts.  All finalists will tour the country’s winelands, visiting wineries, meeting the winemakers, and tasting wines as well as enjoying fine cuisine in South Africa’s iconic restaurants.

Eligible competitors may register for the 2010 WOSA Sommelier World Cup at www.wosasommeliercup.co.za/qualifier.php.  Space is limited to a total of 40 Canadian competitors, so register early!Wines of South Africa Sommelier World Cup Semi-Finals
Eastern Canada (Toronto) – Tuesday, May 18 2010
Western Canada (Vancouver) – Thursday, May 20 2010

Follow WOSA Canada on Twitter at www.twitter.com/WOSACanada