Jennifer’s (24) story in the wine industry began in the kitchen. She built her early career around flavour, precision and the rhythm of service. But somewhere between plating dishes and working with ingredients, something changed. “My journey in the wine industry began through hospitality, but it became something deeper,” she says.

Initially, wine was part of the broader experience she was creating as a chef. “I was naturally drawn to flavour, balance and the way wine interacts with food,” she says. That connection soon grew into something more layered, and what caught and held her attention was the product and the people around it. “What truly captured me was the human connection behind it all,” she says.

It’s this connection with people that continues to drive her today. “Wine plays a big role, whether it’s creating memorable experiences for guests or working with a team to create something special,” she says. “I’m driven by the impact we have on people’s experience and emotions.”

Her transition from the kitchen to the wine and service space wasn’t without its challenges. Moving into a new environment meant learning at a different pace, with different expectations and a new kind of confidence. “I had to adapt my skillset, step into a new role and find confidence in an environment very different from the kitchen,” she says. At the same time, navigating team dynamics has pushed her to grow. “It’s tested me to develop stronger communication, awareness and understanding.”

Those early changes laid the foundation for where she is now. She has built a career across some of the country’s most respected spaces, working as a sommelier at both Rupert & Rothschild Vignerons and Rust en Vrede before taking on her current role at Vuur in Stellenbosch. Along the way, she has developed a reputation for consistency, strong client relationships and a deep sense of care in the environments she works in.

Her growth has been steady and intentional. She has completed her WSET Level 2 and is currently working towards Level 3 to further deepen her technical understanding of wine. At the same time, she has taken on leadership responsibilities, including running health and safety programmes and supporting staff training, while also stepping into her role at Rupert & Rothschild Vignerons. These achievements build trust and strengthen teams over time.

Ask her what she’s most proud of and her answer is simple. “My resilience and the work ethic I bring to this industry,” she says. “I’ve faced challenges that have tested me personally and professionally. What I’m proud of is my ability to keep showing up, staying passionate and continuing to strive to grow.”

Her approach to wine remains closely tied to her background as a chef. “I don’t see wine in isolation, I see it as part of a broader experience,” she says. It’s a perspective that brings something different to the space, something both sensory and human. “Combined with my strong focus on people and the environments I work in, I bring a perspective that’s both sensory driven and deeply human.”

Jennifer sees a future for the South African wine industry rich in stories and driven by its people. “I believe the South African wine industry has a powerful and unique story to tell,” she says, pointing to its diversity, quality and strong sense of place. The next step is for the new generation to join the industry. “Its future lies in empowering the next generation of talent to take the industry forward.”

Her role in that future is clear. “My vision is to contribute by creating meaningful experiences, supporting strong team cultures and mentoring young professionals,” she says. There’s an energy that feels real and forward-looking when she speaks about what comes next. “I want to bring a fresh perspective that connects wine, food and people in a way that’s authentic,” she says.

Rapid fire Q&A

  • Red, white or bubbles? Bubbles.
  • One thing that always makes you laugh? The chaos of a busy service.
  • Who in the wine world inspires you the most? Gregory Mutambe.
  • Your hidden talent outside of wine? Creative problem-solving and curating experiences.
  • One word that describes the SA wine industry? Resilient.

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