Practical in the cellar
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Understanding Confronting Climate Change Confronting Climate Change (CCC) is a carbon footprinting initiative that was developed to support the agricultural sector, specifically agri-businesses. The initiative was conceptualised in 2008 and has developed exponentially...
In previous articles, I referred to checklists that have to be completed for certain records. A question that always arises is: “Who checks that an action actually gets done?” Think about the classic cleaning list on the back of public bathroom doors. How many times...
The saying goes: let sleeping dogs lie, or don’t scratch where it doesn’t itch. If your business runs smoothly, and all tasks are carried out with clockwork efficiency, then naturally, there is nothing to worry about. When things start to go wrong, however, and...
The Cellar Assistants’ Programme makes an important contribution to knowledge transfer to cellar assistants in the South African wine industry. Feedback received from cellars confirmed that there is a serious need to develop the practical and general knowledge of...
Unhurried reflection on how the harvest went and analysis of the data collected, can help a winery to formulate a winning plan before the next harvest to ensure that its cellar processes run better. Analysis of processes as an example Question: Do you finish...
One of the most important cellar activities regularly neglected due to time pressure is the cleaning and servicing of harvest equipment post-season. Ideally, the equipment should be stored away as soon as possible after use in a clean, dry condition and away from the...
The management of barrel storage rooms is intended to create a stable and controlled environment for wine to age. This article provides a few of the most important guidelines to be followed. The stacking of barrels The stacking of barrels can influence the...
Tank lids and wine pumps When a pumping action is initiated on a tank with a closed lid, the tank can suck in and contract much like a Coke can pressed together. Preventing this from happening was identified by several winemakers consulted as the most important...
Winemakers in the industry were consulted to point out the most common mistakes that can occur in and around cellars. Here are a few guidelines to avoid some of these problems. Clear work instructions There is no chance of being 100% certain of exact execution...
The Cellar Assistants’ Programme hosted four information days for cellar assistants in the participating districts of Stellenbosch, Wellington, Paarl, Franschhoek, Worcester, Breedekloof and Robertson. In addition to the information days, five workshops were presented...
There are stringent regulations around the storage of chemical additives to ensure food safety. It is important that a cellar team adheres to these regulations at all times. This article provides the main guidelines for the orderly management of a cellar chemical...
