Winetech Study Groups Top Achievers for 2019

The Winetech study groups make a considerable contribution in the transfer of knowledge to cellar assistants in the South African wine industry. The Winetech study groups are endorsed by industry organisations such as the Cape Winemakers Guild, Shiraz SA and Cape Vintners Classification and aim to address development and the transfer of knowledge in a holistic and practical manner.

Three study groups each for Afrikaans, English and Xhosa cellar assistants, were presented from June until August in the participating regions by qualified winemakers. Participation is free of charge and the content of the Winetech study groups differ annually.

The content of the 2019 Winetech study groups included the following:

Study group 1: Composition of grapes; ripening of grapes; receive and off-loading of grapes.

Study group 2: Destemming and crushing of grapes; cooling of grape mash.

Study group 3: Separation of juice and skins before fermentation.

A short evaluation took place after each of the study groups and the participants’ average marks achieved determined the top ten achievers for 2019. The highest average score achieved for 2019 was 98%. However, there are 11 cellar assistants included in the 2019 Top Ten category as more than one cellar assistant achieved the same mark. The 2019 Top Ten cellar assistants are listed according to regions and not according to marks achieved.

Stellenbosch

  • Nathan Adams, Morgenster Wine & Olive Estate

Franschhoek

  • Lindikhaya Ndlazi, Boschendal Wines
  • Makhaya Mnqayi, Franschhoek Cellar
  • Godfrey Josiah, La Motte

Wellington, Swartland, Paarl

  • Eric Mnyango, Riebeek Valley Wine Co
  • Johan Kruger, Nelson Wine Estate

Robertson

  • Francois Erasmus, Mont Blois

Worcester/Breedekloof

  • Markquin Windvogel, De Doorns, Wine Cellar

Orange River (Orange River Cellars)

  • Johnny Swartz, ORC Kakamas
  • Itumeleng Ernest Mosesane, ORC Kakamas
  • Laurentius Charles Booysen, ORC Kakamas

For more information contact Santi Basson at santib@mweb.co.za or 0722988186.