An unplanned path

Bradwin Lester’s (29) journey from Upington to the frontlines of viticulture shows what happens when curiosity meets commitment.

Although Bradwin’s journey into the wine industry didn’t begin with a clear plan, it certainly grew into something special. “What began as an accidental entry into agriculture eventually blossomed into a rewarding profession,” he says.

Growing up in Upington, he never imagined his career would take form there, yet that’s where it all began. “From the start, I sensed my journey would be unlike any other,” he says. From those early days, his path quickly moved to hands-on work in viticulture, research and training. He holds a diploma in agricultural management (viticulture & wine) and Project management certificate from Stellenbosch Business School. He also completed the South African Wine Level 2 course in 2023 to further strengthen his industry expertise.

His foundation in agricultural management, along with further studies and exposure at institutions such as ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij, gave him both technical depth and practical understanding. His academic grounding has enabled him to effectively bridge the gap between scientific research and practical vineyard application and he became known for his ability to take complex research and translate it into something useful in the field. That ability defined his early role as a junior agriculturist at Raisins South Africa.

Thanks to his research and development work, he was selected as one of only four graduates in the Northern Cape to secure a permanent position through the graduate programme. His technical excellence was further recognised when he was named runner-up for technical graduate of the year at the 2019 Raisins SA Awards. His work on the Fruit Fly Africa trial from 2020 to 2022 further strengthened his reputation. He led efforts to understand and reduce the economic impact of pests on grape production along the Orange River.

At the same time, Bradwin’s focus on people remained constant. “I played a vital role in training farmers in technical viticulture skills, focusing specifically on the production of raisins and wine grapes,” he says. “This programme aims to improve product quality throughout the value chain, from the vineyard to the shelf. It’s about giving farmers the tools to produce better, more consistent crops while building long-term sustainability.”

Among his proudest achievements is his contribution to best-practice guidelines for viticulture, specifically on pests and diseases. “It’s truly rewarding to be part of an effort that aims to bridge the gap between academic research and the practical needs of farmworkers and producers,” he says. Designed as an in-field reference, the guide helps workers identify and respond to everyday challenges in the vineyard.

His role in establishing the Women’s Project in the Northern Cape adds another layer to his contribution. “This initiative provides viticulture-based training tailored specifically to the upliftment of farmworkers and farmers in the region,” he says.

Today, as an agronomist working in an investment environment, his role has expanded to include crop performance, market feasibility and agricultural economics in Africa. In this role at Terrain African Agri Investment, he focuses on assessing agricultural yields, optimising crop health and evaluating the viability of agricultural investments through detailed market analysis. He operates in a space where science, farming and business intersect, bringing a broader perspective to the wine Agriculture industry.

His vision is focused and intentional. “It’s to support and promote unique wine brands by expanding their reach into various African markets,” he says. He sees real opportunity in building demand across the continent, particularly for black-owned producers. Through collaborations with initiatives such as Root to Market, his goal is to help brands build a stronger presence. “This effort will not only support economic growth in the sector but also promote diversity and visibility in the African wine market.”

“I consider myself fortunate to be part of such a vibrant and dynamic community,” he says. “I’m truly grateful for every chance to make a meaningful impact.”

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