This Women’s Month, we celebrate six women making waves in the industry with their recent qualifications.
August saw three new Cape Wine Masters announced: Linda Birch, Liezl Richards and Natalie van Rooyen, as well as three new Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET) Diploma graduates: Malu Lambert, Heleen Rabe and Madison Keyser – all six women. These multi-year wine qualifications require determination and sacrifice and are most often completed in permanent employment. We caught up with these fantastic women to hear how they managed to do it and their future plans.
Linda Birch
Linda Birch’s journey from law to wine speaks to the power of following one’s passion. After obtaining her BA LLB degree from Stellenbosch University in 1987, Linda embarked on a successful legal career, founding Birch Attorneys in 1998, where she specialised in conveyancing. However, her love for wine ignited during her university years and gradually began to take centre stage in her life.
In 2005, Linda and her husband moved to Devon Valley, which deepened her interest in wine. Here, she pursued her passion further, earning her Cape Wine Academy diploma and further immersing herself in the industry. But Linda didn’t stop there; in 2018, she embarked on the rigorous journey to become a Cape Wine Master.
Balancing full-time work and the demands of the Cape Wine Masters programme was no easy feat. With no prior experience in viti- or viniculture, Linda had to acquire a vast amount of new knowledge while managing her legal practice. “Initially, it was very trying,” Linda recalls. “Juggling my legal job and the self-study required for the Master’s was challenging.” But then the COVID-19 pandemic struck, forcing Linda to scale down her legal work. This twist of fate allowed her to dedicate more time to her studies. “In a way, this was a blessing,” she reflects. “Being confined to our homes meant I could spend my days researching and studying.”
In 2021, Linda made a significant career shift as the world began to recover from the pandemic. She closed Birch Attorneys and joined Bellingham Muller Hanekom as a consultant, focusing on conveyancing while more intensely pursuing her wine passion.
Her dedication bore fruit with her dissertation, “The Evolution of Colombar in South Africa.” This work opened new opportunities, leading Linda to join the Old Vine Project, where she now heads the Colombar division. Linda is enthusiastic about this venture, noting that South Africa boasts the most Colombar plantings globally and produces outstanding single-variety Colombar wines.
Linda’s journey is an inspiration for anyone with a passion for wine. “If you are interested in wine, take the plunge!” she advises. “It’s not easy, but the reward is worth all the effort and sacrifice.” Her motto throughout her five-year Master’s studies? “Never throw in the towel – use it to wipe off the sweat and keep going.”
Madison Keyser
Madison Keyser’s introduction to wine came unexpectedly during her first year at Stellenbosch University in 2015. While pursuing her degree, she took a part-time job at Delaire Graff, where she was quickly captivated by the complexity and culture surrounding wine.
“I realised how much there was to learn about wine,” Madison recalls. A particularly memorable, albeit nerve-wracking, encounter with a sommelier, where she couldn’t answer any of his questions, became a pivotal moment for her. “Looking back, I can laugh, but it was terrifying then. That experience pushed me to pursue formal wine education.”
Determined to deepen her knowledge, Madison completed WSET Levels 2 and 3 in 2017 and 2018, respectively. These courses opened her eyes to the intricate details of wine production, terroir, and tasting. Inspired by her teacher, Cathy Marston, she set her sights on the WSET Diploma.
In 2018, a bursary from the International Wine Challenge (IWC) provided the opportunity Madison needed to pursue the WSET Diploma. “The diploma wasn’t just about earning a qualification; it was about fully immersing myself in the wine industry’s knowledge and experiences,” she says.
Balancing the WSET Diploma course load with full-time work and personal responsibilities was no small feat. Madison faced setbacks, including retaking exams, but each challenge became a lesson in perseverance. She drew inspiration from role models like Malu Lambert, Olive Hamilton-Russel, and Samarie Smith, who successfully balanced the diploma with their demanding lives. “Their achievements motivated me to keep going,” Madison says. “Strong, amazing women have been role models and friends throughout this process.”
For Madison, the WSET Diploma has been personally and professionally transformative. “It’s given me a deeper understanding of wine, increased my confidence, and expanded my network globally,” she reflects. But beyond these benefits, the diploma has also shaped her vision for the future.
“I see this qualification as a foundation for achieving my goals in the wine industry,” Madison says. “Wine is a means of creating and sharing meaningful experiences, and I’m excited to continue contributing to the industry in a way that reflects this passion.”
To other women in the wine industry considering the WSET Diploma, Madison offers this advice: “Embrace the journey, with all its ups and downs. It’s not just about earning a qualification; it’s about the growth, connections, and knowledge you gain along the way. Stay committed, lean on your support system, and remember that there’s an entire industry rallying behind you. There’s always space in wine for more women – driven, knowledgeable, and passionate about creating meaningful experiences through wine.”
Malu Lambert
Malu Lambert, a multi-award-winning wine writer and critic, has carved out a distinguished career in wine journalism. With accolades such as the Mont Blanc Emerging Wine Writer of the Year at the Louis Roederer International Wine Writers’ Awards 2019 and the Veritas Young Wine Writer title in 2015, Malu’s reputation as a leading voice in the industry is well-established. Her recent success includes co-authoring Klein Constantia: The Home of Vin de Constance, which won the ‘Discovering and Presenting Wines category at the 2023 OIV awards.
Malu’s work spans both local and international publications. In South Africa, she has regularly contributed to numerous titles and served as the wine editor for Food & Home for five years. Internationally, her byline has appeared in prestigious outlets. Additionally, Malu is a taster for the Platter’s Guide, South Africa’s most respected wine guide, and she frequently serves as a judge on both local and international wine panels, including Decanter, IWSC, and the Concours Mondial du Sauvignon.
As a recent WSET Diploma graduate, Malu reflects on the challenges she has faced in balancing the course load with her demanding career and personal life. “It was more challenging than I thought it would be,” she admits. “Studying for such a high-level qualification while working in a deadline-driven industry and raising two small kids was extremely challenging. I missed several special occasions and had to lock myself away on many weekends. But I got there after many long evenings, very early mornings, post-it notes, hand-drawn maps, and practice essays. I just had to remind myself that I was actively showing my children the meaning of grit and persistence in pursuing your dreams.”
The WSET Diploma has already had a profound impact on Malu’s career. “It has upskilled my palate and given me the confidence to speak my mind in intimidating settings,” she says. “Being an international qualification, it perfectly fits with my ambition to continue bringing the stories of South African wine to the world. I am a proud ambassador, and this strengthens my cause.”
Malu’s message is clear for women in the wine industry considering enrolling in the WSET Diploma: “You can do it. It may seem impossible at times, but all you need to do is put in the work. It’s a time game – make the time, make the sacrifices, and there’s no way around it. You can return to hitting the snooze button once qualified.”
Heleen Rabe
Heleen Rabe’s wine journey began in the heart of Stellenbosch, where she grew up in a family that celebrated honest food and wine. Her early exposure to the wine industry came through a connection with the Mackenzie-Browne family, owners of Hartenberg Wine Estate. This relationship opened doors to diverse experiences across the wine business. Heleen spent time in the tasting room, sharing her passion for wine with visitors, and in the kitchen, cooking for events like weddings and group gatherings – an experience she thoroughly enjoyed. Later, she transitioned into the finance side of the estate, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the business. Today, Heleen is deeply involved in all these areas as a Sales and Marketing Specialist at Hartenberg, where her love for the industry thrives.
Balancing her demanding career with pursuing the WSET Diploma, one of the wine industry’s most respected qualifications has been no easy feat. “Balancing work, the WSET Diploma and personal responsibilities has been incredibly challenging,” she admits. “While I love learning, I had to acknowledge that my job is demanding, and the WSET Diploma requires a high level of discipline, which is not my strongest suit. However, I managed by prioritising tasks and changing my mindset. I focused on what I could control and took things one step at a time.”
The impact of this qualification on Heleen’s career has been profound. “The qualification, and more importantly the information it provides, instils incredible confidence in understanding the wine business,” she explains. “This is vital for anyone looking to succeed in making and selling wine. It ignites a passion for continuous learning, personal or professional growth.”
Heleen offers empowering advice for women in the wine industry considering the WSET Diploma: “Embarking on this journey empowers you and paves the way for future generations. The wine industry is full of opportunities, and your passion is invaluable. By enrolling, you’re mastering your craft, expanding your network, and inspiring others. Every glass of wine tells a story; yours is one of strength and innovation. Cheers to your success and impact.”
Heleen’s story is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the pursuit of knowledge. Her journey through the world of wine is one of dedication, and she continues to inspire others in the industry with her commitment to excellence.
Liezl Richards
Liezl Richards’ journey into the wine industry is a testament to following one’s passion. Originally from Port Elizabeth, Liezl earned a BA in Media and Communications from the University of Port Elizabeth. However, it didn’t take long for her to realise that the corporate world wasn’t the right fit.
In her early twenties, Liezl moved to Durban and began working as a sales representative for Meridian Wines. In this role, her love for wine blossomed, setting the stage for her future career. Her passion quickly evolved into a successful venture when she established her wine agency, Wine Whispers.
Liezl and her husband live in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. Together, they represent renowned wineries such as Gabrielskloof, Crystallum, Momento, and Creation in their Wine Whispers portfolio. Liezl is deeply committed to promoting South African wines internationally, particularly those from the Overberg region.
In addition to her responsibilities for Wine Whispers, Liezl is also the National Sales and Key Export Account Manager for Gabrielskloof. Through her work with Wine Whispers, she continues to champion the excellence of South African wines and collaborates with others to bring these wines to the global stage.
Balancing a demanding career with family life is no small feat, and Liezl acknowledges the challenges that come with it. “As women, we often put immense pressure on ourselves to manage everything independently, making balancing family and work challenging. I’ve learned it’s okay to lean on others – whether colleagues or family – for support,” she shares.
To other women in the wine industry considering enrolling in the Cape Wine Masters, Liezl offers this advice: Don’t let anything hold you back. Balancing work and personal responsibilities may be challenging, but the personal growth and extensive knowledge gained at the end of the journey have immense rewards.
Natalie van Rooyen
Natalie van Rooyen’s journey into the wine industry began in her youth, helping her parents with their wine business on weekends. Natalie studied winemaking at Stellenbosch University, where she earned her BSc in Viticulture and Oenology by 2005. Her practical experience started with a harvest at Overhex Private Cellar, where she went from assistant winemaker to cellar master in only two years. In 2009, she transitioned into production and sales, which allowed her to travel internationally. This period was challenging yet fulfilling as she juggled her career and family life, always finding strength in the support of her loved ones.
After 11 years, Natalie sought new challenges and joined Coastal Wine Exports in 2017 as their production manager and winemaker. Here, she found her place in a dynamic team, proud to contribute to their collective success. The following year, in 2018, Natalie embarked on the prestigious Cape Wine Masters journey. She admits that balancing the demands of the course with her responsibilities as a mother was difficult, and there were times when she had to prioritise her studies over family commitments. “I am deeply grateful for the unwavering support from my mother, friends, and husband, who were instrumental in helping me manage these demands. Their encouragement and assistance were crucial to my success”, says Natalie.
It also helped to be part of an all-girls team at Coastal Wine. With a team made up of all mothers, they were incredibly supportive and helped ease Natalie’s burden during exam periods. Natalie continues, “Their camaraderie and understanding made a significant difference, and I am thankful for their support”.
Natalie’s passion for wine extends beyond her success. She is dedicated to educating and mentoring others. She dreams of sharing her knowledge through lectures, tastings, and judging panels, hoping to inspire the next generation of winemakers.
To other women in the wine industry hoping to pursue the Cape Wine Masters qualification, Natalie offers this advice: “The journey may be challenging, but it is gratifying. By pursuing this qualification, you cannot only deepen your expertise but also break new ground and contribute to a more dynamic and inclusive industry. Embrace the experience fully, build connections, and support one another. When women uplift each other, there’s no limit to what we can achieve together. Make the most of this opportunity, and let your journey inspire and empower yourself and others in the industry”.
