Miguel Chan
Trained at the Hotel School of Mauritius between 1997 and 2000 specializing in Beverage Science, Oenology and Cost Control, as main subject.
In 2000 I joined The Oberoi Mauritius as F&B Assistant, learning the Oberoi Way an invaluable lesson in humility and attention to details.
Towards the end of 2001, I joined Happy World Foods, as their sales representative and assisting in developing their wine portfolio from Australia, New Zealand’s and South Africa.
In October 2003 I was appointed as the Wine Bar Manager of Relais & Chateaux The Cellars Hohenort Hotel in Constantia, Cape Town, I work my way to be promoted as Head Sommelier and later Beverage Manager, managing one of the most extensive beverage program until June 2009.
I gradually and humbly built a trusting name within the wine industry, first as a tasting co-coordinator for Swiss Airlines International Wine Awards, as well as being invited to contribute as a taster / judge on various publications and shows, with South African Airways Onboard selections, Amorim Cap Classique Challenge, Chardonnay Celebrations and Veritas Wine Awards, to name a few.
Successful certification from the Court of Master Sommeliers UK as a Sommelier in 2008
One of the greatest achievement of my career was in 2007 to represent South Africa at the inaugural Chaines des Rotisseurs International Young Sommeliers World Final in Frankfurt, Germany, as well as being recognized a year later by Diners Club International Wine List Award in creating South Africa’s overall National Best Wine list, a feat repeated in 2011, which was the first time in the history of the award was given to a hotel, restaurant in Johannesburg.
In July 2009, I relocated to Johannesburg, being appointed by Tsogo Sun, Southern Africa leading hotels, gaming and entertainment group, as their Group Sommelier.