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Sommelier

Michelle Erasmus

MICHELLE ERASMUS
Head of wine at La Colombe, No.55 The World's 50 Best Restaurants 2025

Michelle Erasmus is a highly qualified South African wine specialist with certificates from international award bodies including The Court of Master Sommeliers and the Wine & Spirit Education Trust. She is passionate about sharing knowledge and mentoring young sommeliers and is an active member of the South African Sommeliers Association. 

Ten years in the making
Born in Cape Town, Erasmus has more than a decade of experience in wine and hospitality. She is currently leading the wine programme at La Colombe restaurant in Constantia, the birthplace of South African wine. This highly acclaimed restaurant is where Michelle showcases South African wine focused through the lens of food pairing. She and her team of seven sommeliers and stewards place emphasis on storytelling and the link between food and wine to elevate diners' experience.

The cellar experience
Erasmus has introduced a 'wine first' experience at La Colombe by means of a wine cellar tour mid-menu, where diners can pick her brain on any South African wine topic. Her commitment to the craft has seen her achieve three national awards, with the most recent being the Best Wine Service in South Africa from national restaurant body Eat Out.

Brought to you by William Reed

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