WINETECH Technical Yearbook 2019

Vredendal and Upington. The workshops will be presented in Afrikaans and English only. Participation is free of charge. The content of the 2019 workshops, which will include a tasting, will focus on the use and aim of cooling and heating during the different winemaking processes. WINETECH 2019 STUDY GROUPS In addition to the workshops for senior cellar assistants, three Afrikaans and three Xhosa study groups will be presented in the different participating regions. The study groups may be attended by all cellar assistants, including illiterate and semi- literate individuals, who normally would not be exposed to the transfer of knowledge. Senior cellar assistants are encouraged to attend the study groups in addition to attending the workshops. Participation in the study groups are free of charge. The content of the 2019 Winetech study groups is relevant to the winemaking process and will focus on pre-fermentation cellar processes. An evaluation of wine will be included in all three Winetech study groups and faulty wines will receive special attention. The Winetech study groups and workshops for senior cellar assistants are presented from June until end of August.

Azola Mtabane (Welmoed), Vusumzi Ntunja (Delheim) and William Makondola (Welmoed).

groups. There is a better understanding of the different processes in the cellar. A participating cellar pointed out that the most important benefit of the study groups and workshops is the development of leadership abilities and the establishment of role models amongst cellar assistants. The facilitators of the study groups play an important role in this regard. Cellars confirmed that participation in the study groups had a positive impact on the quality of work delivered. In turn cellar assistants indicated that they have developed pride in their work which impacts on their personal lives. The Winetech study groups are also a way

of measuring cellar assistants and create the opportunity for cellars to focus on personnel development. The Winetech programmes also create an awareness and interest amongst cellar assistants of the product with which they work. WINETECH 2019 WORKSHOPS FOR SENIOR CELLAR ASSISTANTS It was established that there is a serious need for more in-depth transfer of knowledge to senior cellar assistants. In 2018 a pilot programme for senior cellar assistants, with a SKOP 3 qualification, was launched by Winetech. In 2019 workshops will be presented to senior cellar assistants, with a SKOP 3 qualification, in Wellington, Breede River,

Cellar assistants busy with wine tasting.

which cellar assistants often operate. The interaction with other cellar assistants has enormous benefits. L a r ge r c e l l a r s pa r t i c i pa t i ng i n t he programmes confirmed cellar assistants acquired more confidence and take more responsibility in the cellars. Some cellar assistants are able to think out of the box and make clever suggestions. A number of cellars confirmed that the improved labour relations in the workplace can be attributed to participation in the Winetech study

– For more information, contact Santi Basson at santib@mweb.co.za.