About this speaker
Spencer Foundaumiere is passionate about food, wine, and the experiences they create. His mission is to elevate South African wine on the global stage and showcase its incredible quality. As a sommelier, entrepreneur, and brand builder, he has dedicated his career to projects that fulfil this vision.
He is the Brand Director of Belle Montagne, a premium luxury South African wine brand. Having started his first business at the age of 20 and worked on multiple ventures from the ground up, this project holds special significance for him. It represents not only a bold step forward for South African wine but also a collaboration with inspiring people who share a big vision.
Beyond brand-building, Spencer moves wine (mostly South African) around the world - with an emphasis on Africa - through his company Sprk. Ltd, where he oversees operations and logistics. He also focuses on the Kenyan market through Wineyard East Africa, a company in which he is a shareholder and which holds agency for several outstanding South African brands.
Spencer serves as Chairman of the South African Sommeliers Association, where he has had the privilege of driving positive change—most notably developing the Foundational Sommelier Certificate (formerly the Introductory Sommelier Certificate), which broadened access for underrepresented talent in the industry to become sommeliers. He also led the successful campaign for Cape Town, South Africa to win the bid to host the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI) General Assembly in 2025—the first time an ASI event will be hosted in Africa. Managing the organisation of this event makes the association more accessible to the wealth of skill across the continent.
When his term began, confidence within the association was shaken post-COVID. Over the past four years, Spencer has helped turn things around—growing membership, restoring financial stability, and hosting five world-class sommelier competitions. He has also ensured full participation in all ASI events and, most importantly, helped develop the careers of many aspiring sommeliers.
Alongside these roles, Spencer contributes as a wine and restaurant judge and serves as a guest lecturer at the University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business, where he presents the module “The Business of Wine in Africa.”
