IWSC Emerging Talent Awards: Shaping the future of wine hospitality
This year’s winner of the IWSC Emerging Talent in Wine Hospitality Award is an international candidate who fought off stiff competition to claim the final prize.
In a year when we received the highest number of applications ever for this award, and many strong candidates, the winner was selected due to his multi-faceted approach to work, and his commitment to education and to uplifting communities. Congratulations to Tinashe Musora, who is Head Sommelier at Creation Wines in South Africa.
During the final judging session, Agnieszka Swiecka said:
“To me, he is truly inspiring. What this young man under 30 has achieved is remarkable. Although this award focuses on wine, the way he uses his role in hospitality to uplift and enhance communities is simply unparalleled.”
Shaping the Future of Wine Hospitality
At just 25 years old, Tinashe Musora is redefining wine hospitality through passion, education and community empowerment. His journey began as a restaurant runner on a South African wine estate, where an intense first sip of Brut Nature Cap Classique ignited a lifelong fascination. From that moment, he knew he wanted to become a sommelier with a difference, driven by a commitment to uplift his community.
Global Reach, Local Impact
Tinashe’s influence extends globally. He curates wine menus and trains hospitality teams across Dubai, Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan. Yet it is his work at home that truly sets him apart. Through the Pebbles Project in South Africa, he teaches WSET Level 1 courses to the children of wine estate workers, creating new pathways into the wine industry. He also mentors aspiring sommeliers through the South African Sommeliers Association, championing accessibility and skills development.
Tinashe believes his success stems from his community-focused, experiential approach. Rather than presenting wine as exclusive or intimidating, he draws on his own journey to make it relatable and inspiring. His authenticity and impact have been recognised through awards such as the Gérard Basset Foundation WSET Diploma Bursary and the South African Luminary Award: 30 Under 30 in the South African Wine Industry.
Expanding Horizons
Looking ahead, Tinashe plans to use the IWSC’s £2,500 travel bursary to visit France’s iconic wine regions, including Bordeaux, Burgundy and Champagne. Having studied these areas extensively in theory, he hopes that first-hand experience will deepen his understanding of viticulture and vinification.
In an industry often focused on prestige, Tinashe Musora reminds us that wine is, at its heart, a story of people, place and passion. He is determined to make that story more inclusive for the next generation.
The IWSC Emerging Talent in Bartending Award is supported by Silverhand Estates.
In a year when we received the highest number of applications ever for this award, and many strong candidates, the winner was selected due to his multi-faceted approach to work, and his commitment to education and to uplifting communities. Congratulations to Tinashe Musora, who is Head Sommelier at Creation Wines in South Africa.
During the final judging session, Agnieszka Swiecka said:
“To me, he is truly inspiring. What this young man under 30 has achieved is remarkable. Although this award focuses on wine, the way he uses his role in hospitality to uplift and enhance communities is simply unparalleled.”
Shaping the Future of Wine Hospitality
At just 25 years old, Tinashe Musora is redefining wine hospitality through passion, education and community empowerment. His journey began as a restaurant runner on a South African wine estate, where an intense first sip of Brut Nature Cap Classique ignited a lifelong fascination. From that moment, he knew he wanted to become a sommelier with a difference, driven by a commitment to uplift his community.
Global Reach, Local Impact
Tinashe’s influence extends globally. He curates wine menus and trains hospitality teams across Dubai, Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan. Yet it is his work at home that truly sets him apart. Through the Pebbles Project in South Africa, he teaches WSET Level 1 courses to the children of wine estate workers, creating new pathways into the wine industry. He also mentors aspiring sommeliers through the South African Sommeliers Association, championing accessibility and skills development.
Tinashe believes his success stems from his community-focused, experiential approach. Rather than presenting wine as exclusive or intimidating, he draws on his own journey to make it relatable and inspiring. His authenticity and impact have been recognised through awards such as the Gérard Basset Foundation WSET Diploma Bursary and the South African Luminary Award: 30 Under 30 in the South African Wine Industry.
Expanding Horizons
Looking ahead, Tinashe plans to use the IWSC’s £2,500 travel bursary to visit France’s iconic wine regions, including Bordeaux, Burgundy and Champagne. Having studied these areas extensively in theory, he hopes that first-hand experience will deepen his understanding of viticulture and vinification.
In an industry often focused on prestige, Tinashe Musora reminds us that wine is, at its heart, a story of people, place and passion. He is determined to make that story more inclusive for the next generation.
The IWSC Emerging Talent in Bartending Award is supported by Silverhand Estates.
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