Wine Secrets, Sommelier Exams & Food Pairing Myths - Spencer Fondaumiere | Coffee Pump (E113)

Konnichiwa Fam, On this episode I sit down with Spencer Fondaumiere, one of only two ASI diploma sommeliers on the entire African continent, and a fellow St. Mary's boy. From getting suspended for streaking and stealing altar wine, to playing rugby for Kenya, working night shifts in a bread factory, and finally landing in Cape Town's wine world, his journey is anything but ordinary. On this episode, we talk about: – The single wine tasting in Stellenbosch that changed his life – Why the red wine with red meat rule is not actually a rule – The difference between red and white wine (98% of grape juice is clear) – Dry vs sweet explained for total beginners – What a decanter actually does and when to use one – Why old wine isn't always better wine – Inside the sommelier diploma exam, blind tastings and roleplay service – How a sommelier builds a restaurant's wine program and why the menu follows the wine – Wine as a store of value and why provenance matters – His top restaurant picks in Cape Town – Budget wine tips and how to find bargains on the shelf Hope you enjoy the episode. Best, Team Coffee Pump Order Our Coffee and Wallpapers: https://wa.me/c/254707696969 Our Coffee and Tea Is live! Order from our website: https://coffeepumppodcast.com/shop Join Our Membership and get access to videos early: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkZKGnWZWb-S9wJdz9IGDTw/join Support The Channel: - MPESA: 0707 69 69 69 - Pay Bill: 542 542 Account Number: 069 420 Find Spencer Fondaumiere: - Website: https://wine.co.za/contact - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-fondaumiere-64161137 - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sfondaumiere Find our host Sajid Vayani: - Linktree: https://linktr.ee/sajvayani - Coffee Pump Spotify, Apple and Socials: Linktree: https://linktr.ee/sajvayani Disclaimer: The content of The Coffee Pump Podcast is intended for entertainment and informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Coffee Pump Podcast, its affiliates, or any associated entities. Nothing discussed in this podcast should be construed as professional advice in any field, including but not limited to legal, financial, medical, or business matters. Any statements made about businesses, products, or individuals are based on personal experiences and opinions and are not meant to be taken as fact or a definitive review. The Coffee Pump Podcast does not assume any liability for the accuracy, completeness, or consequences of using the information discussed. Listeners are encouraged to form their own opinions, conduct their own research, and seek professional guidance where appropriate. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge that The Coffee Pump Podcast is not responsible for any actions or decisions made based on the content provided. 0:00 - Intro 1:21 - Spencer & Saj's Flashback Moments In St Mary's 6:40 - How Saj & Spencer Met, Streaking, His Rugby Career, Rugby clubs & Culture 20:15 - Fine Dining, Culinary Culture In Kenya 25:28 - Spencer In Culinary Arts School, Working In A Bread Factory 30:50 - Us Visa Denial, Starting A Food Start - up Business 34:28 - Spencer Moving To South Africa, Meeting His Girlfriend & Wine Tasting Experience 41:31 - Text Messaging Era, Winetasting Classes, Getting Married & Taking Business Course 44:51 - Getting A South African Work Permit & Job Hunting In South Africa 49:13 - Wine Varieties, viticulture, Wine Pairing & Red Wine 59:20 - White Wine, vinification, Wine Storing & Softening (Micro - Oxidation) 1:06:55 - Wine Aging ,Port Wine, Wine Tradition & Culture Over The Years 1:11:54 - Wine Decanting, Global Wine Regions & Wine History 1:16:06 - Best Viticulture Conditions, Wine Ranking & Spencer's Favorite Wine 1:20:23 - Wine As A Store Of Value, Provenance & Altar Wine 1:23:17 - Spencer's Wine Bucket List 1:25:49 - Sommelier Exams, Recognition, Dying Drinking Culture & Pastoral Classes 1:31:21 - Wine Alcohol Effects, Wine Benefits & Cigarettes Comeback 1:37:09 - Wine Vintages, Sommelier Job Culture & Lifestyle 1:43:59 - Sommelier Exams, Roles In Fine Dining & Stereotypes In Fine Dining 1:50:35 - Sommelier's Job Description, Wine Programs & The La Colombe Group 1:57:08 - Saj's Planned Cape Town Trip 1:58:51 - Cape town Restaurant Recommendations 2:01:58 - Spencer's Wine Recommendations & Wine Purchasing Tips 2:09:50 - Coffee Pump Coffee Blends 2:11:06 - Outro