Santi Basson

The Cellar Assistants’ Programme makes an important contribution to knowledge transfer to cellar assistants in the South African wine industry.

Feedback from cellars confirmed a need for developing practical, general knowledge of cellar assistants, which will add value to careers. The 2024 Cellar Assistants’ Programme aims to address this need and to contribute to knowledge transfer practically and holistically.

The Cellar Assistants’ Programme will host information days and workshops in 2024 in the participating districts.

In 1847, the farm De Opstal bij de Fonteine was granted to Jan Coenraad Rossouw, and the name indicates that the farmhouse (opstal) might have been the first homestead in the valley at the time.

The Huguenot refugee Jacques de Villiers, also known as Jacob, called his farm La Bri, which may have been derived from the French word, l’abri, meaning “shelter”.

This programme is known for the considerable contribution made to knowledge transfer to cellar assistants and aims to address knowledge transfer practically and holistically.

As visitors enter the picturesque village of Robertson, one cannot ignore the prominent house on Voortrekker Street with a Neo-Classical gable and sash windows. The house is home to Roodezandt RF, a cellar with a long, colourful history.

Neethlingshof believes it is important that employees take advantage of all opportunities available in the industry and that knowledge development is an important aspect of the estate’s philosophy.

Although South Africa has made significant progress in appointing women to permanent positions, it is clear from these statistics that males still take precedence in the workplace.

Thirty years ago, with a lot of head-nodding and toeing the line, the “yes-man” or “yes-woman” was the stereotype of the ideal employee. Disagreements were perceived as conflicts and the focus would then shift to how to be cooperative and agreeable again.

Feedback received from cellars confirmed the serious need for the development of practical knowledge of senior cellar assistants which adds value to their careers.

Feedback received from cellars confirmed a serious need for the development of practical, as well as general knowledge of cellar assistants, which will add value to careers. During 2023, Winetech will host two information days in Stellenbosch and the Breedekloof.