Jeff Lopes from The Saxon Boutique Hotel, Villas and Spa has recently won the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Jeunes Sommeliers Competition. Launched in 2007, the competition gives young wine experts between the ages of 21 and 35 an opportunity to present their skills under intensely competitive conditions.

We asked Jeff for a recommendation of his five favourite local wines, accompanied by food pairing suggestions with the assistance of The Saxon’s executive chef, David Higgs (Eat Out’s chef of the year for 2011).

Avondale Armilla MCC – Paarl
A not-so-classic pairing of a warm salad of pears and parsnip, served with roast quail.

2011 Iona Sauvignon Blanc – Elgin
Steamed fillets of rainbow trout, served with fennel salad and dill cream.

2009 Shannon Mount Bullet Merlot – Elgin
Seared fillet of duck breast, with wild mushroom risotto and truffle oil.

2007 Rijks Syrah – Tulbagh
Roast loin of springbok, served with curried sweet potato purée and fondant potato.

2006 Tierhoek Straw Wine – Piekenierskloof
A warm apple and cinnamon crumble pie with fromage blanc sorbet.

Find out what else is happening with chef and sommelier movers and shakers in South Africa’s restaurant scene here.

Pictured (from left to right): The Saxon’s award-winning sommeliers Jeff Lopes (head sommelier), Francis Krone and Gareth Ferreira.