Prof Archer started his viticultural career as researcher at Nietvoorbij in Stellenbosch in 1971 – where he was aided by the most basic of equipment, “a set of secateurs and a scale” – before assuming a position as lecturer at Stellenbosch University. He held both positions for 17 years, years which would prove invaluable to the wine industry. During those years he studied towards a PhD at the University of Montpellier in France and has demonstrated his understanding of the vine, consulting to wineries throughout South Africa, a well as in France, Mendoza, Napa, and Chile, to name a few.
As a lecturer he has been a mentor to hundreds of winemakers and is considered a legend in the South African wine industry.
Our deepest condolences to his family all those close to him.
A recollection of Prof. Archer by Dr. Helene Nieuwoudt:
My recollection as a student in the Honours module on Viticulture that Prof Archer presented was his humour, friendliness, and above all his enthusiasm and passion for his topic, which made his classes a pleasure to attend. At one occasion he said to the male students that the best gift they could ever give their girlfriends was a perfume that smelled like the small flowers on a developing grape bunch. I remember his friendliness and thoroughness as a lecturer.
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