When visiting Vergenoegd Löw's tasting room, you're likely to be served by an warm and welcoming young woman who is truly enthusiastic about the Estate's wines.
Born in Stellenbosch, 32-year-old Nolubabalo "Nolu" Mokoena is passionate about her job and the wine that is produced on the estate. From the flagship Bordeaux-style red and the Cape Vintage port-style fortified wine, to the distinctive collection of single-variety wines, she knows them inside out.
“I like wine a lot,” she smiles. “I love telling our visitors about our wines; about aspects such the importance of the soil and the climate; and why one should appreciate the winemaker’s hard work.”
After matriculation at Kayamandi High School in Stellenbosch, Nolu studied and obtained a diploma at the Pinotage Youth Development Academy (PYDA). This organisation develops the capacity of young, disadvantaged South Africans and prepares them for employment within the wine industry.
“The course also taught us about self-development, self-awareness and how to reach your goals,” explains Nolu. “On my off days I went to different wine farms to taste wine and learn as much as possible about the various aspects of the winemaking process.”
After obtaining her diploma, she worked at Spier Wine Farm, where she gained experience in different sections of the farm. This was followed by a stint in the tasting room at Delheim Wine Estate, where she also took visitors on cellar tours. Today, she is the tasting room ambassador at Vergenoegd Löw.
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