Background to Winetech studygroups and SA Cellar worker Programme

Friday, 27 May, 2016
Santi Basson
The Winetech study groups and SA Cellar worker Programme make a considerable contribution in the transfer of technology to cellar workers in the South African wine industry.

The Winetech study groups are endorsed by various industry organisations, ie Shiraz SA and the Cape Winemakers Guild and aim to address development and training in a practical and holistic manner, through closer collaboration with cellars.

There is a serious need for the development of practical knowledge, as well as the general knowledge of cellar workers, which should add value to their careers.

The aim of the Winetech study groups is not only to broaden knowledge, but to increase productivity. The goal of the annual SA cellar worker information day is the continuous transfer of knowledge to cellar workers. This prestigious function is sponsored by Nedbank.

Participants of the Winetech study groups are automatically participants of the SA Cellar worker Progamme. This programme gives recognition for contributions made by permanently employed cellar workers in the SA wine industry. Role models are established in this manner by the SA Cellar worker Programme and mentorship plays an important role.

The following applies to the 2016 Winetech study groups and SA Cellar worker Programme:

  • Four study groups each, for the Afrikaans and Xhosa groups, are presented from May until end of August. Please refer to the annual programme to confirm dates, venues and contents for each study group.
    Click HERE for the Xhosa dates and HERE for the Afrikaans dates
  • Confirmation letters with more information will be mailed in the beginning of each month. Confirmation of participation is essential.
  • The study groups are presented by Nomonde Kubheka.
  • Participation is free of charge and the number of cellar workers enrolled is not limited.
  • Study groups will not be presented to groups smaller than 12 cellar workers.
  • A letter, which can be used for BEE purposes, will confirm the rand value of the study groups and will be available to participating cellars.
  • The first 3 study groups will last 1 1/2 hours each and will start at 15:00 sharp and conclude at 16:30. The fourth and last study group will last 2 hours and will start at 14:30 sharp and conclude at 16:30.
  • Attendance registers will be mailed to the participating cellars after each study group for the use of the annual WSP.
  • Notes will be available and will be mailed to the participating cellars on condition that the cellar workers attended the study group.
  • After each study group the cellar workers will be evaluated and the forms will be returned to the cellar workers at the next study group session.
  • The evaluations will determine the top-10 candidates, who will be promoted to the SA Cellar worker Programme for further evaluation. The top-10 candidates will be announced early September for the evaluation to take place on 22 September.
  • The three finalists for the SA Cellar worker Programme are determined through a theoretical and practical evaluation of the top-10 candidates.
  • The winner and 2016 SA Cellar worker will be announced on 28 October at the annual SA Cellar worker information day, sponsored by Nedbank.
  • All participants of the Winetech study groups are invited to attend the information day.

The content of the 2016 Winetech study groups are as follows:

Study group 1: Chenin blanc: cultivar identification, basic winemaking procedures, wine styles and preparation of sweet wines; New techniques and/or additives; wine tasting.
Study group 2: Sauvignon blanc: cultivar identification, basic winemaking procedures, wine styles, preparation of special late harvest and noble late harvest wines; new techniques and/or additives; wine tasting.
Study group 3: Pinotage; cultivar identification, basic winemaking procedures; wine styles; preparation of jerepigos and port; new techniques and/or additives; wine tasting.
Study group 4: Shiraz: cultivar identification, basic winemaking procedures, wine styles; preparation of sherries; new techniques or additives; wine tasting.

Each of the study groups will include a brief discussion on the responsible use of alcohol.

The fourth and last study group will include a short session on personal budgets presented by Nedbank.

A short evaluation will take place after each of the study groups.

Tasting room and restaurant personnel may also attend the study groups. Semi-illiterate and illiterate individuals are welcome.

Notes on each of the sessions will be mailed to the cellars.

For more information, visit our SPOTLIGHT PAGE on wine.co.za or contact Santi Basson at santib@mweb.co.za or telephone number: 072 298 8186.

 

 

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The Circle of Excellence are the previous winners and finalists since 2009.
The Circle of Excellence are the previous winners and finalists since 2009.





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