Born in Kimberley, Armand originally pursued a degree in politics at the University of the Free State, later switching to psychology. However, a transformative year spent working in a Bloemfontein steakhouse – and a glass of 2017 Storm Ignis Pinot Noir – altered his trajectory. He paused his postgraduate plans and moved to Cape Town to immerse himself in the city's dynamic restaurant scene.
In 2020, Armand joined the team at FYN, but the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic led him back to Kimberley. Inspired by Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen’s reverence for South African hospitality and pursuit of beauty, Armand created a heartfelt video application at the end of that year. Filmed in the veld and staged on his great-grandfather’s desk with antique books, fresh flowers, and a bottle of wine, the submission earned him a position managing the JAN Innovation Studio in early 2021.
His time at JAN proved pivotal. Armand served as a sommelier at the Michelin-starred Restaurant JAN in Nice and contributed to service training at both Klein JAN and JAN Franschhoek. He collaborated with a team brimming with creativity, taking part in styling photo shoots, producing television adverts, and writing about wine. For Armand, hospitality extends far beyond the walls of a restaurant – it exists wherever there is something to eat and drink, and someone to share it with.
In June 2025, he stepped away from full-time service to explore new expressions of wine culture. This journey culminated in the September 2025 launch of Mostly Wine – a platform for curated events and innovative hospitality.
On 10 September 2025, Armand was crowned the Best Sommelier of South Africa by the South African Sommeliers Association, following a full day of intense competition. From blind tastings to high-pressure service rounds, Armand wowed a panel of international judges with his technical skill, calm confidence, and deep passion for the local wine industry.