Terry-Ann (29) grew up in Zoar, a village nestled between the Swartberg and Rooiberg mountain ranges, and known for its proximity to the impressive Seweweekspoort Pass. It’s the kind of place where stories are anchored in history, not vineyards. Growing up in this historic mission settlement in the Little Karoo, wine was not an obvious path for Terry-Ann. Becoming a winemaker meant stepping into an entirely new territory. “I don’t come from a wine or viticulture background,” she says. “I’m proudly the first winemaker to emerge from my hometown.”

Her introduction to wine was, by her own admission, simple and social. University life, friends and “Sunday funday wine farm visits” sparked something deeper. What started as appreciation quickly turned into curiosity, and then something more intentional. “I became fascinated by how something so complex and expressive could come from the land,” she says. “That’s when I started paying attention to terroir, craftsmanship and the stories behind each bottle.”

That curiosity led her to make a bold decision. She’d initially enrolled for a degree in microbiology at Stellenbosch University but, following her instinct, she switched to viticulture and oenology. It was a turning point that grounded her passion in science, while opening the door to a global industry. What followed was a journey that stretched far beyond Stellenbosch.

She’s worked harvests across the world, from the Napa Valley in California to New Zealand and France. Each region brought new lessons, new grapes and new ways of understanding wine. “The growth I’ve experienced, both in knowledge and confidence, especially internationally, is something I’m really proud of,” she says.

But beyond the technical skills, it’s the people and experiences that have stayed with her. “Whether it’s curating a thoughtful wine selection or hosting a tasting, what matters most is the impact and creating experiences that resonate with people and deepen their appreciation for wine.”

Today, she brings that global perspective home as assistant winemaker at Longridge Wines in Stellenbosch. Her job entails working closely with organic wines which are a natural extension of her belief in working with the land rather than against it.

Like many entering the industry, her path hasn’t always been easy. Entering a competitive space, finding her voice and navigating steep learning curves have all tested her resilience. “My approach to wine is rooted in authenticity, curiosity and accessibility,” she says. “I want to make wine approachable without letting it lose its depth. I don’t want to just talk about wine. I want to tell its story about the people, the places and the process. I try to connect people not just to the wine, but to the people and places behind it. These experiences have shaped how I show up and become more adaptable, more intentional and grounded in my own perspective. Ultimately, I want to contribute something meaningful, especially for where I come from.”

As a new generation of wine professionals steps onto the stage, she honours tradition but is not afraid to carve her own path. “The South African wine industry is ready for even greater recognition,” she says. “We have incredible talent and diversity. I want to be part of amplifying those stories and making South African wine more accessible and appreciated globally.”

Rapid fire Q&A

  • Red, white or bubbles? It depends on the moment, but I’d say bubbles. There’s something about the energy and versatility of sparkling wine that makes any occasion feel special and celebratory.
  • One thing that always makes you laugh? Genuine, unfiltered moments with friends. Those spontaneous laughs you can’t plan.
  • Who in the wine world inspires you the most? The new generation of South African winemakers who are pushing boundaries while staying true to their roots, especially Kiara Farmer.
  • Your hidden talent outside of wine? Writing poetry.
  • One word that describes the SA wine industry? Resilient.

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