The Court of Master SommeliersSommelier · StudyBeta
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South Africa

What the Court’s Examination Syllabus 2026/2027 lists for South Africa, level by level.

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Candidates should have an increasing depth of knowledge of the subject matter as they progress to each level of qualification.

Introductory Certificate

  1. Climatic influences. (Oceans and mountain ranges)
  2. Wine law & labelling regulations. (WO)
  3. Climate & soils.
  4. Structure of wine production.
  5. Geographical units, Regions, Districts, Wards & Estates.
  6. Principal wine regions of the Western Cape: Stellenbosch, Franschoek, Paarl, Constantia, Walker Bay & Elgin.
  7. Varietals associated with production areas.

Certified Sommelier

  1. Districts within major wine regions: Coastal, Breede River.
  2. Labelling terms such as Cape Classique, Cape blend.

Advanced Certificate

  1. Districts outside WO areas.
  2. Wards of principal districts — Stellenbosch, Paarl, Walker Bay, Olifants River, Darling, Swartland & Klein Karoo.
  3. Principal producers and sites / Principal wines produced. (Stellenbosch / Elim / Walker Bay / Swartland)
  4. Vin de Constance — Grapes, production and styles.

MS Diploma

  1. Geographical features influencing production in SA. (Mountains / Oceans / Rivers)
  2. Climatic effects.
  3. Location of wards in all WO districts.
  4. Principal producers and sites. / Principal wines. (All regions)
  5. Vintages 10 years.
  6. Latest developments & updates.
In the course bookSouth AfricaChapter 3 · Wine Regions of the WorldIntroductory and Certified: ready in the study portal →