Early Deadline
30 Nov 2024
Judging
Date
24 & 25 March 2025
Winners Announcement
22 April 2025
30 Nov 2024
24 & 25 March 2025
22 April 2025
Erica Taylor began her career in New York City, working in PR and Marketing, specializing in fashion, liquor brands, nightclubs, and restaurants. In 2011, she moved to Mumbai, where she spent six years exploring new opportunities and cultivating a passion for wine. Living on a vineyard in India's wine country, her curiosity about winemaking deepened, especially after a winemaker introduced her to South African wines. Enthralled by this discovery, Erica booked a trip to South Africa, instantly fell in love with its wine culture, and made Cape Town her home two months later.
Key moments in Erica’s wine journey include her academic achievements in wine studies. In 2017, she passed WSET 1 with Merit, moved to Cape Town, and later completed WSET 2, also with Merit. That same year, she became involved with the South African Sommeliers Association (SASA), an organization with which she has since played a significant role, organizing the last four sommelier competitions.
In 2020, Erica achieved a major milestone by successfully completing the Michael Fridjhon Wine Judging Academy. Her passion for wine evaluation has led her to judge prestigious competitions, including an unforgettable panel comparing Sauvignon Blancs from South Africa and New Zealand.
Living in South Africa has been a rich experience for Erica, not just professionally but personally. She convinced her mother to join her in Cape Town, and she has embraced South African culture, particularly the tradition of braai (barbecue).
In addition to her work, Erica is continuously expanding her wine knowledge. Her current focus is the Italian Wine Scholar certification, reflecting her dedication to wine theory and education.
This rich blend of global experience, love for South African wine, and commitment to education defines Erica’s multifaceted career in the wine world.