Meet the expert sommelier elevating The Table Bay dining experience

The Table Bay’s Jonathan Wakefield has taken his love for wine from cruiseliner to cellar to great effect

Born and raised in the Mother City, The Table Bay sommelier Jonathan Wakefield is living his dream at “Cape Town’s best address”.

“Not only is The Table Bay the best address in Cape Town, but it also has the best people. I enjoy my work, colleagues, and the many regular guests. As soon as you walk through the doors, you can feel the high standards. It feels like being at home, but better. It is a special place,” said the 31-year-old, who was promoted to sommelier at The Table Bay in December last year, after joining the 5-star Sun International property at the V&A Waterfront in 2017 as a food and beverage supervisor. His new role will see him take responsibility for everything beverage-related in the hotel’s lounges, restaurants, and the Union Bar. He will also take charge of the wine cellar.

Wakefield has enjoyed working with award-winning TV chef Siba Mtongana, who has operated her first restaurant, Siba, at The Table Bay since the end of 2020. “Siba’s food is fantastic and wonderful to pair with wines,” he says. The pop-up restaurant has been so successful that its run has been extended until the end of April.