Cellar Assistants' Programme makes a difference in knowledge transfer

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 to senior cellar assistants in the above-mentioned participating districts, including Klawer and Upington.

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.

Elzette du Preez, a qualified winemaker, presented the information days and senior workshops. Participants of the information days learned more about the current conditions in the South African wine industry, i.e. trends influencing the market, changing consumer preferences, climate change and global wine production, including global and local wine surpluses. The attendees received information about white wine cultivars, discussing the origin, vineyard cultivation, harvesting, winemaking and various wine styles. The programme concluded with a discussion about successful teamwork and the value of ethics and integrity in the workplace, facilitated by Greta Grobler, an independent registered social worker.

Senior cellar assistants attending the workshops learned more about the challenges the South African wine industry faces. However, Elzette du Preez highlighted the strengths of the industry to give the participants a greater perspective of the industry. An in-depth discussion of white wine cultivars followed, for example, how to identify these cultivars in the vineyard, as well as in the cellar. Participants learned what makes each cultivar unique and what they lend themselves to in terms of wine styles and wine preparation. Attendees could taste a selection of wines, for example, an unwooded and a wooded Chenin blanc, including a Sauvignon blanc, Chardonnay, Sémillon and Viognier. The social worker, Greta Grobler, concluded the workshops with a discussion on responsible leadership and the value of integrity and ethics in the workplace.

Feedback from cellar assistants and cellars confirmed that the knowledge transferred during the information days and senior workshops is valuable. The large number of participants in the 2024 Cellar Assistants’ Programme attending the information days and senior workshops confirms the need for the transfer of practical, general knowledge relevant to cellar assistants employed in the industry.

Markquin Windvogel (De Doorns Wine Cellar), Plaatjie Geduld and Desmond Diedericks (Roodezandt RF), Elzette du Preez (winemaker and facilitator), and Greta Grobler (independent social worker and facilitator).

Lance Louw, Leone Booysen and Christalene Booysen (Saxenburg).

Thelma Makhundayi (Vergelegen), Roelien Harolds (Waterkloof), Elzette du Preez and Leonie Volkwyn (Meerlust).

Bernard Louw and Cameron Arries (Alvi’s Drift) and Markquin Windvogel (De Doorns Wine Cellar).

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