Ubuntu International Sommeliers Trophy 2025: Constance Hotels & Resorts Sommeliers Keep Mauritius on Top!

Mauritius once again confirms its excellence in the world of sommellerie and high-end service. This international recognition is highlighted by the remarkable performance of the sommelier team from Constance Hospitality, who triumphed in the 6th edition of the Ubuntu International Sommeliers Trophy 2025. The team included Jaisen Pandoo, Head Sommelier at Constance Prince Maurice, and Shani Ramasawmy, Sommelier & Wine Events Manager at Constance Hospitality, both of whom have previously been recognized as the Best Sommelier of Mauritius in 2025 and 2022, respectively. The grand final took place last December at Lanzerac, an iconic historic venue in Stellenbosch, South Africa, renowned for its vineyards and rich winemaking heritage.

Thanks to this victory, Mauritius retains its title for the second consecutive year, following its first win in 2024. This achievement exemplifies the Mauritian expertise, diligence, and high standards in the art of dining. Selected by the Mauritius Sommelier Association to represent the country at the Ubuntu International Sommeliers Trophy 2025, Jaisen Pandoo and Shani Ramasawmy underwent intensive preparation supervised by De Lores Malin, the Best Sommelier of Mauritius 2019, with support from the hotel group through ongoing training and vineyard visits.

In this edition, special awards were also given. Shani Ramasawmy was recognized as the Best Beer Sommelier by the South African Breweries Association. This award acknowledges her talent for creating exquisite food-beer pairings and highlights the growing importance of beer in contemporary gastronomy. Both winners expressed their pride and joy in the outcome: “We had the honor of representing Mauritius on behalf of the Mauritius Sommelier Association. Winning this trophy is a tremendous source of pride for our country. We sincerely thank everyone who supported us throughout this journey, especially Constance Hospitality, which continuously fosters and encourages our professional and personal development.”

This victory not only illustrates the individual talent of the sommeliers but also the ongoing commitment of the Constance hotel group to training, wine passion, and service excellence, thus contributing to the international recognition of Mauritius. For Jérôme Faure, president of the Mauritius Sommelier Association and Corporate Sommelier at Constance Hospitality, “this victory is primarily the result of the hard work and passion of our sommeliers. It also reflects the importance of the training and support we strive to provide within the group. We are proud to see Mauritius shine on the international stage and to make our humble contribution to the prominence of our gastronomy and sommellerie.”

The Ubuntu Trophy is the only international sommelier competition held on the African continent. It aims to highlight the excellence of sommeliers while promoting sommellerie globally. Participants demonstrate their technical, theoretical, and creative skills in wine, beer, and food-beverage pairings. The 2025 edition was presided over by an exceptional international jury, led by Giuseppe Vaccarini, former Best Sommelier in the World, alongside Michele Chantôme, vice president of ASI for Africa and the Middle East, and several recognized South African wine and hospitality professionals.