In her third year of microbiology at Rhodes University, Jessica Swan (27)’s supervisor told her she was too much of a hippie to do cell biology and should explore beverages. Initially, Jessica was shocked by the advice, but once she switched focus to wine, she wanted to know everything about how it’s made, from the soil to the barrel and finally to the glass. After completing her degree, she earned a master’s in Italian food and wine at Università degli Studi di Padova in Italy. She was hooked for life.
After completing her studies, Jessica became a cellar tour guide at Tenuta Adamo Winery in Lucca, Tuscany, where she was also involved in maintenance and harvesting in the fields, olive groves, and cellar. She also teached a new course at the international educational institution Istituto Lorenzo de Medici, Florence Bites: Understanding a City Through Food. She also graduated as a WSET3 sommelier from BWine School in Florence.
“I wanted to see what my knowledge would look like when applied to the South African wine industry,” she says. “My first thesis supervisor wanted me to focus on honeybush tea due to its potential on the international market, but I was far too distracted by wine and had to change supervisors and switch from an economic perspective to one of rural development.”
While writing her thesis, titled "Sweet Wines of Constantia: a Feasible First PDO from the South African Wine Sector", she became the first hospitality employee at Tenuta Adamo Winery. “I would describe myself as an enthusiastic student of wine, culture, food systems and science,” she says. “I pursue work that inspires my creativity and curiosity. When starting in the wine industry, I wanted to create a journey rather than a job and have worked my way through from field to glass to class. My experience includes fieldwork, hospitality and education, largely focused on Italy and South Africa.”
The beauty of the Cape Winelands also inspired her to work in the wine world. “I love being outside, travelling and connecting with plants, people and products,” she says. “I find it very enriching. I love that I can count it all as work.”
Although she’s accomplished so much already, Jessica says graduating with a master’s degree is undoubtedly her most significant achievement. “I’m not the best with such deep isolation, so writing a thesis is my nightmare. I’m very grateful that wine was my topic. It was a joy to connect with the story of the wine world.”
One of her best experiences was working at Tenuta Adamo. “I have enjoyed being a part of all the changes along the way,” she says. “I wanted to play. I wanted to prune, harvest and plant. Working there gave me practical knowledge and turned textbooks into reality. It was an essential step for me. I also connected with visitors from around the world. That clarified the reputation of the South African wine industry to me. Pinotage and Stellenbosch
were old news to most customers.”
The story of the wine industry in South Africa is impossible to tell without considering its people, she says. “Every industry has its limitations, history and, hopefully, a mission. The wine industry in South Africa is no exception, and I think this is the most beautiful time to be involved in it.”
Rapid fire Q&A
- Favourite wine ever tasted? A 1999 Erdener Treppchen Riesling Spätlese Schwaab-Kiebel from Mosel, Germany. A mouthful.
- Favourite bingeworthy TV show? The Office.
- Favourite pick-me-up song? A Kind of Magic by Queen.
- Least-known fact about you? I think I’ve mentioned Trevor Noah as a South African reference to every American I’ve met since I arrived in Italy. He always triggers exciting chats.
- Ideal holiday destination? Italy.
To keep up with Jessica's journey, follow her on social media. She's on Instagram as @jessssswan and on LinkedIn.