Stellenbosch University’s Viticulture and Oenology Winter School Programme 2023 introduced 22 female Grade 11 students from different provinces to the wine and grape industry.
The three-day event was organised by Stellenbosch University’s Faculty of AgriSciences and the Department of Viticulture and Oenology in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD), the Cape Winemakers Guild (CWG) and the Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute.
As most of the learners were under 18 years of age, no alcohol consumption took place during the programme.
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According to SU’s Bongiwe Mhlongo, the programme took the students to various wine estates in the scenic Cape Winelands region, opening doors to the world of grape and wine sciences.
Participants were chosen from schools such as Nkomazi High School, Ermelo Combined School, Guduza Secondary School, Warburton Combined School, Wem Combined School in Mpumalanga, Tsoseletso Secondary School in the Free State and the SciMathUS programme at Stellenbosch University.
Under the guidance of industry experts, the learners were exposed to the intricacies of winemaking.
Over the course of three days, these learners had the privilege of exploring renowned wine farms, including Vredenheim, Lievland, Babylonstoren, The House of JC Le Roux and Alto Wine Estate.
From the vineyards to the cellars, the students were able to witness the craftsmanship and effort that goes into creating the Cape’s exceptional wines. Knowledgeable professionals acted as mentors, generously sharing their insights and expertise.
Kgalalelo Modiakgotla, a student from the SciMathUS programme, expressed her enjoyment: ‘As a SciMathUS student, I really enjoyed this programme. The programme was not only fun but also educational. I have learned so much about growing grapes in vineyards and the process of winemaking, which I found very interesting.’
The hands-on approach employed during the programme fostered a deep comprehension of the wine industry, introducing these young women to both the scientific and artistic aspects of winemaking. Interactive sessions ignited their curiosity, providing them with invaluable insights into potential careers within the grape and wine sectors.
Professor Maret du Toit of Stellenbosch University’s Faculty of AgriSciences and Oenology emphasised, ‘We firmly believe in empowering the next generation of wine enthusiasts and professionals,’
She added, ‘The aim of this programme was to ignite their passion for the grape and wine sciences and allow them to see the diverse career opportunities in studying towards this degree. We were delighted to witness their enthusiasm and appreciation for the opportunity.’
The success of this programme was greatly owed to the support of the participating wine estates. Their willingness to share their expertise and welcome the learners into their facilities played a pivotal role in crafting a genuinely enriching experience.
Ms Votelwa Ndana from DALRRD remarked, ‘DALRRD is proud to be part of this programme, fostering a spirit of collaboration between educational institutions and industry professionals. Through events like these, the Department aims to shape the future of young people and expose them to the other side of agriculture that most of them do not know about. The wine industry is one of the department’s identified prioritised areas, and there is a demand for young women to bridge the gap in the wine industry.’
The annual Viticulture and Oenology Winter School Programme, running since 2019, continued to shine in 2023. Participants were provided with a unique opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the realms of grape cultivation and winemaking, cultivating a genuine appreciation for the business and empowering them to chase their future aspirations.
With ongoing support from industry professionals and committed partners, this programme will continue to shape the minds of aspiring grape and wine specialists for years to come.
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Picture: Markus Winkler / Unsplash
