At South Africa Wine, we believe our greatest asset is our people. This is why we are committed to investing in developing skills and knowledge among our workforces.
Recently, the Cellar Assistants’ Programme hosted a series of workshops specifically designed for senior cellar assistants in the wine-producing districts of Stellenbosch, Wellington, Paarl, Franschhoek, Robertson, and Worcester-Breedekloof. These workshops are not just about knowledge transfer; they are a strategic investment in the future of the South African wine industry.
The South African wine industry faces many challenges, from adapting to climate change to competing globally. To navigate these challenges successfully, having a well-trained, knowledgeable, and motivated workforce is crucial. The Cellar Assistants’ Programme workshops aim to equip senior cellar assistants with the advanced skills and expertise needed to meet these challenges head-on.
From left to right: Bernard Louw and Cameron Arries of Alvi’s Drift and Markquin Windvogel of De Doorns Wine Cellar.
Elzette du Preez, a qualified winemaker, facilitated the recent workshops and provided participants with a comprehensive overview of the current landscape of the South African wine industry. By engaging in in-depth discussions about the identification and characteristics of different white wine cultivars, such as Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, and Viognier, the participants gained a deeper understanding of how these cultivars perform both in the vineyard and in the cellar. By tasting both wooded and unwooded versions of these wines, attendees could better appreciate the nuances of wine styles and preparation techniques. This hands-on learning experience is invaluable in helping cellar assistants enhance their sensory skills and technical knowledge, essential in crafting high-quality wines.
In addition to technical training, the workshops also emphasised the importance of workplace leadership skills, ethics, and integrity. Greta Grobler, an independent registered social worker, concluded the sessions with insightful discussions, highlighting their significance in fostering a positive and productive work environment. Leadership and ethical practices are crucial components for personal and professional growth, ensuring that cellar assistants excel in their roles and contribute to a culture of excellence within their cellars.
South Africa Wine recognises the vital role that cellar assistants play in the winemaking process. They are the backbone of the cellar, responsible for a wide range of tasks that directly impact the quality of the final product. By investing in their development, we are investing in South African wines’ overall quality and competitiveness in the global market.
Moreover, the feedback from participating cellars and the high turnout for the 2024 senior workshops have reinforced the importance of this initiative. The need for transferring advanced knowledge and skills to cellar assistants is clear, and South Africa Wine is committed to addressing this need. By providing these training opportunities, we are enhancing the skill set of our cellar assistants and adding significant value to their careers. This, in turn, fosters a sense of pride and loyalty, which is essential for retaining talented individuals in the industry.
“The Cellar Assistants’ Programme workshops are essential to our broader strategy to ensure that South Africa remains a leading wine producer on the international stage,” says Kachné Ross, People and Skills Development Manager at South Africa Wine. “By equipping our workforce with the necessary skills, knowledge, and leadership qualities, we are laying a solid foundation for the continued growth and success of the South African wine industry.
“Through continuous learning and development, we can achieve greater heights together. These workshops are just one of the many ways we are working to empower our workforce, enhance the quality of our wines, and uphold the proud tradition of South African winemaking.”
