Who inspired me
My inspiration came from my mentor, Ops Manager at Durban ICC Patrick Musubao, who is also a leader. He inspired me by teaching me about wines, taste, pairing, and service. He taught me that to be a great wine steward, you must master guest service and thoroughly understand the product you serve. As an aspiring sommelier, this gave me the courage to dive deeper into learning about wines. Patrick is always there when needed, and he is always willing to help and mentor potential wine stewards.. As someone who loves working with people and helping others grow, I truly look up to him as a guru in hospitality.
What advice would I give to someone pursuing the industry?
Have confidence in what they do and trust their mentors because they have the experience and knowledge. Always ask questions if you are unsure about something; this will help you understand what you're doing, what you want, and whether you're on the right track. It's important to always be eager to learn more. Remember, food, wine, and service are like bread and butter—essential. You must eat, sleep, and master them to become the best sommelier or wine steward.
Highlights of the Inter-Hotel Challendge SA 2024 "Grain and Grape to Glass week
For someone who didn’t know much about how wine is made, it was incredibly exciting to learn about wine, pairing, and the winemaking process. The environment was amazing, and I appreciate all the winemakers who took their valuable time to share their knowledge. This will benefit both myself and the company.”
Lucky Gumede is a candidate wine steward (or concierge) for the 2024 Inter Hotel Challenge