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The Vineyard Shines at the Inter-Hotel Challenge South Africa 2025
12 December 2025
The Vineyard team delivered an exceptional performance at the 2025 Inter-Hotel Challenge, proudly bringing home four major awards and standing out amongst some of South Africa’s leading hotels.
Representing 31 hotels from the Western Cape, Gauteng, and KwaZulu-Natal, the Challenge welcomed 155 talented candidates competing across key hospitality disciplines. Now in its thirteenth year, the event continues to champion mentorship, skills development, and the future of South African hospitality.
This year, The Vineyard’s rising talent and collaborative spirit were recognised across multiple categories:
Vineyard Achievements 2025
Nomfundo Mbuyisile – Winner: Rising Star Barista of the Year
Brandon Erasmus – Winner: Most Promising Chef of the Year 2025
Gabriele Di Giorgio & Brandon Erasmus – Winners: Best Food & Wine Pairing Starter 2025
The Vineyard Show Cook Team – Winner: Best Team – The Vineyard Hotel 2025
These achievements reflect not only individual excellence but also the culture of mentorship, creativity, and continuous learning that sits at the heart of The Vineyard’s culinary and service teams.
A Celebration of Talent and Collaboration
The Inter-Hotel Challenge continues to highlight the depth and diversity of skill across South Africa’s hospitality industry—spanning concierges, wine stewards, hot and pastry chefs, bakers, and baristas. Each category encourages innovation and guest-centric thinking, pushing teams to craft experiences that matter and moments that stay with guests long after their visit.
This year’s awards ceremony was attended by distinguished guests including Western Cape Premier Alan Winde and keynote speaker Marcel von Aulock (CEO, Southern Sun). Additional speakers—Sophie Bel (Consul General of France), Alderman James Vos, and Delia Johnston of Air France-KLM—announced a range of life-changing opportunities for top candidates, underscoring the Challenge’s growing impact and the confidence placed in South Africa’s hospitality talent.
Proudly Representing The Vineyard
Our candidates showcased skill, heart, and a deep commitment to their craft. From Nomfundo’s passion for the transformative power of coffee, to Brandon’s creativity and leadership aspirations, to Gabriele’s pursuit of sensory-driven service and sustainable sourcing, each embodied the values that define The Vineyard.
Our Show Cook Team brought it all together—discipline, teamwork, and flair—securing the coveted KitchenAid Africa Best Team 2025 award.
We are tremendously proud of every participant, mentor, and supporter who contributed to this remarkable achievement.
Congratulations to our winners—and to our entire team—for representing The Vineyard with such excellence and enthusiasm.
The Vineyard Hotel
Newlands, Western Cape Breakfast, International, Sushi, Vegan
Every guest is our most important guest at each of our four vineyard restaurants. We believe that eating, drinking, and the joy of a communal feast are central to that feeling. The Square Resta...
