The Winetech Cellar Assistants’ Programme is funded from the South African wine industry’s statutory levy fund and the alcohol bans during 2020 and 2021 had a negative influence on available funds to host the 2022 programme in the previous format. Irrespective of the challenges faced it is important that there is a clear and concise vision of the goals and objectives. It was necessary to evaluate the cellar assistant programmes to determine if it is possible to meet goals with less funds available. Tough decisions were made to ensure successful knowledge transfer and the development of cellar assistants.
Changes applied during the past two years ensured that the programme comply with Covid-protocol and regulations, i.e., the study groups and senior workshops were presented later in the year and the number of participants were limited. Feedback received from cellars, as well as external evaluations, confirmed that knowledge transfer was more effective, which could possibly be attributed to the smaller groups attending the study groups and senior cellar assistant workshops.
Early January 2022 Winetech used a pre-harvest information session as a platform to investigate a new approach to technology transfer. Cavalli Estate generously provided the venue for 25 participants from Eikendal Vineyards, Waterkloof Wines, Stellenzicht Wines, Blaauwklippen Estate, including Cavalli Estate. The programme focussed on pre-fermentation processes and cellar hygiene. A representative from Thales Services facilitated the session on cellar hygiene and Elizabeth Meyer, assistant winemaker at Eikendal Vineyards, facilitated the pre-fermentation session. The participants were encouraged to ask questions and to share their experiences and knowledge.
Feedback received from cellars confirmed that there is a serious need for practical knowledge. Winetech will host an information day during 2022 for cellar assistants addressing important topics. Winetech has a responsibility towards participating cellars to ensure that a quality service is delivered, and that knowledge transfer takes place in a satisfactory manner. It is important that Winetech shows consistency and resilience when taking decisions. The challenges experienced during the past two years should be seen as an opportunity for growth; to stay relevant and to add value to the careers of cellar assistants.