The Winetech Study Groups are making a significant impact on cellar workers to raise their skill levels, with courses being run throughout the winelands in Afrikaans, English and Xhosa. In addition to the Study Groups, there are extended education sessions, and on Wed 24th July, the Senior Cellar Assistants were treated to a special workshop on cooling and heating in the cellar by Cape Wine Master Janno Briers-Louw from Eenzaamheid in Agter Paarl. The attendees all had to have completed Wine Training SA SKOP 3 and the workshop is part of a pilot to introduce a more specific set of of info and knowledge to the more senior staff in the cellar. I must say I do not pretend to know much about what goes on in the cellar and after this session with the very knowledgeable Janno Briers-Louw - I feel like I know even less! So much to be aware of in the cellar and so much can go wrong! I have renewed respect for the winemakers and assistants in the cellar. Major tip - make sure the grapes are picked cool and pressed cool. After Janno's very informative talk, the group of about 30 were treated to an interesting tasting of some 2019 vintage Chenins from Vondeling & Perdeberg and then also older vintages from Eenzaamheid, Simonsig and the Dryland Perdeberg series. The wines showed such different colour and texture - with the Dryland Longevity Special Late Harvest being quite a favourite among the group. Delicious I must say.