Zimbabwean sommelier Makadzange reaches quarter-finals of world contest
Zimbabwean sommelier Takura Makadzange has raised the country’s flag on the international stage after reaching the quarter-finals of the 2026 ASI Best Sommelier of the World Contest in Lisbon, Portugal. Makadzange was among just five contestants representing Africa at the prestigious global competition, which brought together participants from 64 countries. The other African representatives were from South Africa, Mauritius, Morocco and Kenya. The 18th edition of the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI) Best Sommelier of the World Contest was held in Lisbon from October 11 to 17, 2026. Established in Reims, France, in 1969, the competition is the premier international contest for the sommelier profession and is held every three years. A sommelier is a trained and certified b…