The Cape Wine Academy was founded by the very special Dave Hughes in the same year that I finished matric, in 1979! Quite a thing.. Dave sensibly appointed Phyllis Hands to head up the educational institution and she was the principal from 1979 to 1995 - quite a feat. During this time, they educated thousands of eager wine lovers and professionals, and as Phyllis says, the British Masters of Wine were very impressed by their material Phyllis was a brave woman stepping into the man's wine world in 1979, but she is a force to be reckoned with, and it was a delight to see her at the 40th celebrations on Tuesday 1 Oct on the lawns in front of the Nederburg Manor House. Sadly Dave was not with us, as he was undergoing an op after breaking his leg. We really missed him and wish him a speedy recovery. Harry Melck has taken over as the head of The Cape Wine Academy and in the last year that he has been in the position has found a new owner in Meridian Holdings, and has breathed life into a slightly tired institution. Education is so desperately needed in order to further the wine industry and we look forward to the new improved offerings. Congratulations to the Cape Wine Academy and wish them well for the next 40 years!