This year’s deserving recipient of the 2017 Eat Out Wine Service Award is Moses Magwaza, the sommelier at Restaurant Mosaic at the Orient. Before becoming a waiter at the Elandsfontein fine dining restaurant, Moses was a gardener and soon after his talent with wine was discovered, he was trained by Germain Lehodey, the head sommelier at Mosaic.

Moses Magwaza (middle) with Eat Out editor and head judge Abigail Donnelly and Michael Olivier backstage after winning his award. Photo by Jan Ras.

Moses immersed himself in the restaurant’s enormous cellar and worked hard to graduate successfully from the Cape Wine Academy and the International Wine Education Centre. Now, Moses and Germain form a formidable team as they guide diners through the restaurant’s creative and dynamic offerings. As befits a true sommelier, Moses is adept at explaining the thinking behind the unique and thoughtful wine pairings.

Moses Magwaza, the winner of the 2017 Eat Out Wine Service Award. Photo supplied.

He sets himself apart from his impressive competition, however, with charismatic yet unassuming service, and by being highly knowledgeable despite his incredibly down to earth nature.

His approach impressed head judge Abigail Donnelly: “Moses is a wonderful sommelier. His skill and presentation style are truly world-class. He is an excellent ambassador for South Africa. Hats off to him.”

Moses and the team from Restaurant Mosaic at The Orient. Photo supplied.