team
Meet René Veldhuizen
Sommelier Restaurant Mosaic
René Veldhuizen
Sommelier Restaurant Mosaic
René Veldhuizen is a decorated sommelier, hailing from South Africa with a unique set of expertise in South African wine, detailed service and fine dining culture.
René’s enchantment with wine was ignited amid the picturesque mountains and vineyards in the beautiful town of Stellenbosch, South Africa. Her fascination with the vineyards, and being a true bibliophile, led to a passionate journey of learning as she discovered more about the culture of wine.
Her entry point into the South African wine Industry was when she joined the University of Stellenbosch Wine Culture Society. Driven by passion, she became a committee member and later served as Vice Chairperson. In between studies, René could be found at a local winery presenting tastings and learning about the estate’s history and winemaking practices.
During her university tenure, she was introduced to her first formal wine course. Soon after, she completed the Cape Wine Academy’s South African Wine Course, WSET 1, with distinction. As her interest and passion grew, she enrolled in more courses and completed WSET Level 2 (merit), WSET Level 3 (distinction), Court of Master Sommeliers’ Introductory Certificate and is now also a graduate of the Michael Fridjhon’s Wine Judging Academy.
René’s wealth of knowledge has translated seamlessly into her professional career. She has served in well-respected establishments in South Africa, including Singita Private Game Reserves, Rust en Vrede Restaurant and Indochine Restaurant at the Delaire Graff Estate.
For René there’s nothing quite like service in a fine dining Restaurant. “It is exhilarating!,” she says. “The anticipation during prep time. The excitement during service, sharing my passion and knowledge with our guests. From the chef’s beautiful creations to the wine pairing with detailed service, when it all comes together, it truly is an art form.”