The Pinotage Youth Development Academy (PYDA) graduation ceremony is one of the most inspirational events on the wine calendar for me - with nearly 60 young people celebrating their hard work and end of one journey and the start of their next chapter in the world of wine and hospitality. PYDA celebrates 15 years next yaer (2027) with 'Launching Talent to be the Difference' as their abiding drive. We at wine.co.za are very proud to be associated with them all these years, providing a platform to showcase their work and for a number of years also hosting work placements and internships for their graduates.. This year the event was held at Asara - where Calvin Coetzee, responsible for their wine tasting staff and more, gave high praise: 'I will not employ anyone who does not have a PYDA qualification' The top students were: The Top Wine Student: Verosa Pietersen The Top Wine Tourism Student: Asamahle Poswayo The Staff & Student Choice of Student: Saziso Hesewu The PYDA is a remarkable organisation making an incredible difference in the wine industry - with more than 750+ graduates out there. Executive Director Roger Domingo very proudly announced that over 50% of this year's cohorts already had job placements! Congrats to all the new graduates and look forward to meeting them at the wineries I visit.Read more HERE.