The FYN Group sommelier has been honoured with the prestigious award at the renowned association’s annual conference.
The FYN Group’s sommelier and Service & Beverage Director, Jennifer Hugé, has been awarded the Relais & Châteaux Woman of the Year Trophy 2026. She received the honour at the association’s annual conference, held in Boston earlier this month.
The trophy, awarded by the association in partnership with Champagne Pommery, is presented to visionary women from Relais & Châteaux properties who have been leading the way in transforming the hospitality industry. Now in its tenth year, the award honours the women whose contributions to the sector pave the way for a future where hospitality is driven by progress and inclusivity, embracing workplaces with more diversity and experience.
Upon the announcement of the accolade, Relais & Châteaux commended Hugé for her exemplary mentoring and for her long-standing and ever-present contribution to South Africa’s hospitality and service sector.
It is an absolute honour to have been recognised for my contribution to South Africa’s service industry by such a prestigious association,” said Hugé upon the announcement of the award. “It is made even more special by the fact that it includes a focus on mentoring, as the next generation of sommeliers and service professionals will be the future of our industry, and it is an honour to be a part of their journeys.”
For over seven years, the sommelier and service professional has been elevating FYN to the ultimate heights of Cape Town’s culinary establishment. Affectionately known as the ‘Mother of Service’ in South Africa, she has trained the city’s greatest managers and sommeliers, creating a service team at FYN that continues to garner international acclaim.
French-born, Hugé has become a passionate proponent of the Cape’s wines, and she possesses extensive knowledge of local vineyards, many of which she champions on her wine lists and wine pairing selections. In addition to service and wine, her mastery of mixology has seen FYN’s menu feature some of the most innovative and exactingly served cocktails and mocktails – combining French finesse with South African spirit.
Jennifer is the beating heart of FYN’s front of house,” says Chef Peter Tempelhoff, Chef-Founder of FYN. “Her grace, precision, passion and unwavering commitment to the guest experience have shaped every element of what we do. This award is not only richly deserved – it’s a reflection of the deep respect and admiration we all have for her.”
This latest accolade not only celebrates the sommelier and Director’s unwavering commitment to excellence but also reflects FYN’s dedication to setting new standards in hospitality. As the restaurant continues to make its mark both locally and globally, Hugé’s leadership and vision remain central to its success – inspiring a future where service is an art, a discipline, and a shared passion.
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