TOBIAS BRAUWEILER

In February, 2005, I completed my apprenticeship at the 5 star Lindner Park Hotel in Oberstaufen in Germany and started working at the 5 star Gravenbruch Hotel in Frankfurt, New Isenburg which forms part of the Kempinski Group.  Here I gained first hand experience in maintaining a wine list, adding and purchasing wines, wine tastings and the training of restaurant employees.

18 months past very quickly and I moved to Munich in August 2006 to visit the German Wine and Sommelier School and worked as Junior Sommelier at the Four Seasons Kempinski.

In March 2007 I wrote the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry exams and qualified as a Certified Sommelier. This paved the way for me to explore the great wines of the world.

When the opportunity arose for me to work at the 5 star Grande Roche Hotel, I didn't hesitate and jumped at the chance to work in one of the best restaurants in South Africa and commenced my duties as Sommelier in October 2007.

This was my first real overseas experience and working with such great wines was overwhelming and mind blowing. I realized very quickly that South Africa is a snoozing wine producing country which is very close to waking up and showing the world the huge potential which lies hidden in its climate, soil and skill.

In August 2008, I took over the wine department at the Grande Roche and started focusing on the rising stars, the smaller and younger wineries and winemakers, exploring the wines of South Africa's future but maintaining my finger on the big names.

I look forward to my future in the incredible wine industry in South Africa and am excited to be here to taste and experience what this country has to offer.

Tobias Brauweiler
Head Sommelier
Grande Roche Hotel, Relais & Chateaux