Technical Yearbook 2023

Brumilda Lakay and Quinton Lesley from Slanghoek Cellar.

Pedro Hendricks, Lammershoek and Anthony van Wyk from DGB.

Markquin Windvogel from De Doorns Cellar and Elzette du Preez (facilitator).

Gladys Jafta, Vergelegen, Thelma Makhundayi, Vergelegen, Elzette du Preez, facilitator and Roelien Harolds from Waterkloof Wines.

Dean Mtabani and Linda Human from Van Loveren.

Johan Rooi from Roodezandt Cellar and Willem Fransman from Waboomsrivier Winery.

Participation in the information days and workshops for senior cellar assistants is free of charge, as cellars contribute to the statutory levy. All cellar assistants are welcome to participate, however, participants in the senior workshops must have completed the Wine Training South Africa SKOP 3 qualification. Participants must be bilingual as the programmes are presented in Afrikaans and English. A wide range of topics was discussed during the 2023 information days and well-known viticulturists and industry role players presented the programme. For example, Lucinda Heyns discussed regenerative farming: what is it and how does it differ from conventional, sustainable, organic and biodynamic farming? Kachné Ross, People and Skills Development Manager of South Africa Wine gave the participants more information about training opportunities in the wine industry. Dr Karien O’Kennedy, Knowledge Transfer Manager: Oenology at South Africa Wine, discussed the influence of bushfires on wine quality. A very important topic was discussed by Elzette du Preez, an independent consultant, who gave more information about the costs involved in winemaking and what the consequences of errors in the cellars are about. Lida Malandra of Enartis discussed wine faults in the cellar and how to identify, prevent and remedy faults. The

programme for both information days was concluded by an independent, registered social worker, Greta Grobler, who spoke to the participants about the management of their finances and budgets. The 2023 senior cellar assistants’ workshops were presented in four participating districts, Stellenbosch, Wellington, Robertson and Klawer. The senior workshops focussed on wine faults on an in-depth level, i.e., how does this happen; how can it be prevented or remedied and what are the implications for the cellar? Participants were able to compare faulty wines with a control wine. The senior workshop programmes were facilitated by Morné Kemp of Laffort and Elzette du Preez, an independent consultant. Winemakers confirmed that the exposure cellar assistants receive in the programme contributes to the development of leadership skills, increased confidence and new perspectives. In turn, the improved confidence of cellar assistants results in an increase in responsibilities accepted and a noticeable improvement in teamwork. Their abilities to lead are developed and role models are consequently established. Therefore, participation in the Cellar Assistants’ Programme is considered an investment in knowledge transfer. 

References https://www.wineland.co.za/cellar-assistants-programme/

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TECHNICAL YEARBOOK 2023