Why you should support the South African Wine Industry

In 2020 we witnessed many people losing their jobs, wine farms closing down and many taking exorbitant salary cuts to ensure that their companies have some chance of surviving. 2021 could prove fatal for many producers and wine farms should the alcohol ban imposed by the South African government not be lifted.

The support of the local South African public and the wider international wine drinking community is pivotal to the survival of the industry. I seldom focus on my own story as a farm child achieving some success in the South Africa wine industry, because I feel it's more relevant to focus on the many other talents that are untapped in farming youth and workers. 

Bottled HisStory

My story starts on the Simonsig Wine Farm where I was born into the family of third-generation farmworkers. I was privileged to have started my learning journey at the farm's Centre for Early Childhood Development. As a child, I was determined to become a viticulturist but it was not a financial option for my parents. My parents were adamant that my sister and I completed our basic education to ensure that we could follow our dreams. They sacrificed much to ensure that this was a possibility for us. I saved some money to pay for a short course in Vineyard Pruning at Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute. The Wine Industry played a vital part in the successes I have achieved until now. I need to mention those who helped me on my way. Over the last nine years, I have grown professionally in the SA Wine Industry through the belief many producers demonstrated in me by investing in me. Hence for this reason my story has become a story of hope and motivation to many other young people.

How the SA Wine Industry supported me

In 2012 I returned to Simonsig Wines (my home) as a wine advisor and with their support completed wine studies over the years at Cape Wine Academy (Certificate level, International Wines, Food & Wine Pairing), Stellenbsoch University (Certificate in wine evaluation), South African Sommeliers Association (Level 1 Sommelier) and a co-funded Management Course with Wine Tech. This investment in my career assisted my to hold various positions in a small space of time, from Tasting room manager, Wine club manager and now Brand Ambassador.

The South African Wine Industry Transformation Unit assisted me with more knowledge around the making process at Stellenbsoch University (Winemaking Short Course)

The Graham & Rhona Beck Foundation supported me with my formal qualification at the University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business (Certificate in The Business of Wine; & Post Graduate Diploma in Management Practice).

Onward motion

My story is not unique to me. There are hundreds of stories such as mine in the South African Wine Industry. Not every farm child enjoys the opportunity to tell their story. The work to transform the wine industry and its practices must continue but the more pressing issue is to address how to assist the farm working community in their struggle to create a livelihood.

You can also support the work I do with farm youth, ensuring that they do not drop out of school. You can follow the following link to read more www.sosfoundation.org.za 

The call and my commitment

For our industry to continue doing this life-changing work, ensuring that people remain employed and create a sense of hope for a farm child and their family, we need the support of all during this time. You can SAVESAWINE, by purchasing our wines online and receive your delivery after the ban is lifted. The international community can do so online or from their local wine stores who stock SAWINE. 

I am available to taste with you via social media streams and share my passion for wine and our beautiful country.

Please show us your support by making use of the #SAVESAWINE tag. We appreciate your support in whatever guise you choose.

“Education is the key to unlocking the world, a passport to freedom.” Oprah Winfrey

“If we want to reach real peace in this world, we should start educating children” Mahatma Gandhi

“The power of education extends beyond the development of skills we need for economic success. It can contribute to nation-building and reconciliation.” Nelson Mandela