“The Cape Winemakers Guild supports the education of young winemakers. This trip will give students the important exposure to international wines which is essential to their development, giving them a step up into the great world of wine,” says Louis Strydom, chairman of the Nedbank Cape Winemakers Guild Development Trust.
Over and above this substantial donation, members of the Cape Winemakers Guild will donate rare wines to be auctioned as part of fundraising initiatives to help the students reach their target of R500 000 required for the tour.
“We are delighted with the support of this magnificent organisation, as they share our belief in the quality of education and exposing our young winemakers to the various renowned wine regions of the world,” says Lorraine Geldenhuys, winemaker and lecturer at Elsenburg.
Founded in 1999 with the primary objective of supporting social development by furthering education in the winelands, the Nedbank Cape Winemakers Guild Development Trust actively engages with young aspiring winemakers and viticulturists through its well-established Protégé Programme.
It has become tradition for final year Elsenburg students to embark on an educational tour of the renowned winemaking regions of the world, but with the increasing costs brought about by the fluctuating Rand, additional funds are required to bridge the gap.
“The Cape Winemakers Guild has set the example of how an industry can support students’ educational goals by providing opportunities that will broaden our perspectives on wine regions and winemaking practices. With this donation, a dream has become a reality. We are going on an unforgettable tour that will change my winemaking career,” says student representative, Adriaan Jacobs.
The group, comprising nine students and two lecturers, will set off on their journey through the vineyards and cellars of Portugal and France in November/December 2016. The tour offers students the opportunity to observe the diversity of winemaking and includes a visit to the cork forests of Portugal, experiencing the distillation of brandy in Cognac, visiting the first growths of Bordeaux, walking the Hill of Hermitage and drinking Pinot Noir from its birthplace.
The Nedbank Cape Winemakers Guild Development Trust is committed to the transformation of the wine industry to ensure its long term health and sustainability by cultivating, nurturing and empowering promising individuals to become winemakers and viticulturists of excellence.
For more information on the Guild, contact Tel: +27.218520408 or send an email to info@capewinemakersguild.com.