News from the South African winelands | wine.co.za

OUR LATEST NEWS

Tuesday, 9 July, 2024

30 Under 30: Mr Sauvignon Blanc

The Pinotage Youth Development Academy has become a reliable route into the wine industry for many. Without it, Yonela Zondwayo's life would have turned out very differently.

WineLand, Johannes Richter

Monday, 8 July, 2024

30 Under 30: Berries to bottles

Sisipho Zothana's journey into the world of wine had an unexpected beginning at the picturesque Hillcrest Berry Farm.

WineLand, Ingerése Keuzenkamp

Friday, 28 June, 2024

Spier shines a light on hope for the future in Youth Month and beyond

Through their Growing For Good initiatives, Spier provides valuable work experience and skills to disadvantaged youth in their local communities.

Thursday, 25 April, 2024

Meet Nolu Mokoena, wine ambassador at Vergenoegd Löw: 'I was welcomed with warm hands'

Vergenoegd Löw's wine ambassador Nolubabalo Mokoena warmly welcomes visitors to the estate, sharing her passion for wine with every pour.

Vergenoegd Löw

Friday, 27 October, 2023

Are you ready to uncork your potential?

Apply to join the Pinotage Youth Development Academy’s Wine Practitioner Programme for 2024. Only 50 spots are available!

FEATURED ARTICLE

Wednesday, 18 October, 2023

PYDA students excel in internationally-recognised WSET wine course

Pinotage Youth Development Academy boasts their best-ever results in the WSET exams, recently undertaken by 50 of their students.

FEATURED ARTICLE

Thursday, 28 September, 2023

Marking 6 years of PYDA internships at wine.co.za

It takes a village. wine.co.za is proud to be a part of the transformation village for the South African wine industry, supporting PYDA by taking in graduates as interns.

wine.co.za, Judy Brower

Monday, 18 September, 2023

Celebrating sommelier education

Chenin Noir South Africa and the Court of Master Sommeliers congratulate the successful candidates of the CMS programme 2023.

Tuesday, 4 July, 2023

Introducing PYDA's new executive director

The Pinotage Youth Development Academy introduces Roger Domingo, their new executive director, who was appointed on 1 June 2023.

FEATURED ARTICLE

Friday, 30 June, 2023

Cape Winelands youth drum against youth unemployment

Over 80 young people gathered to drum against youth unemployment at the Pinotage Youth Development Academy's Youth Day event.

wine.co.za, Jeanine Malan

Wednesday, 14 June, 2023

80 Youth gather to drum against youth unemployment: A facilitated dialogue hosted by PYDA

In honour of Youth Day, local youth will gather at in Stellenbosch to drum together and engage in critical dialogue around youth unemployment.

FEATURED ARTICLE

Monday, 8 May, 2023

Aspiring young sommeliers receive Court of Master Sommeliers bursaries

Ten young South African wine industry professionals have been awarded bursaries to study with the Court of Master Sommeliers, thanks to PYDA and Chenin Noir SA.

wine.co.za, Jeanine Malan

Thursday, 13 April, 2023

Opportunity for young South Africans to embark on journey of becoming Master Sommeliers

Chenin Noir South Africa and PYDA have partnered to provide ten bursaries for wine industry professionals to study with the Court of Master Sommeliers.

Monday, 20 March, 2023

Out and About with wine.co.za: Celebrating the SA wine harvest and more

The months of February and early March 2023 were a time of celebration in the Winelands – celebrating the harvest, new restaurant launches, and more.

FEATURED ARTICLE

Monday, 13 March, 2023

The World of Work Centre gives unemployed youth access to opportunities

With Human Rights Day around the corner, PYDA launches the World of Work centre to help unemployed Black youth secure employment opportunities.

wine.co.za, Jeanine Malan

Friday, 4 November, 2022

How South Africa is strengthening social justice through wine

A list of winelands organizations that are strengthening social justice in South Africa.

Somm TV, Kathleen Willcox

Wednesday, 5 October, 2022

Celebrating 10 years of PYDA in style

It was a pleasure to celebrate Pinotage Youth Development Academy's 10th birthday on 14 September at Quoin Rock, Stellenbosch.

wine.co.za, Judy Brower

Friday, 16 September, 2022

Pinotage Youth Development Academy marks 10 years of launching talent at showcase event at Quoin Rock

The achievement of PYDA in launching young talent for the past 10 years was celebrated at a showcase event at Quoin Rock on 14 September.

FEATURED ARTICLE

Tuesday, 3 May, 2022

Work placements needed for Pinotage Youth Development Academy students

PYDA is currently looking for temporary work placements for their wine and marketing students in the local wine industry.

FEATURED ARTICLE

Friday, 1 April, 2022

It is time for more good news stories for #wineforgood

It has been 6 years since the launch of our wineforgood.co.za website and since then we've shared 400 good news stories from the Cape Winelands. We invite you to join us this April as we celebrate Freedom Month.

wine.co.za, Judy Brower

Monday, 28 March, 2022

New season brings exciting collaborations at Delheim Wine Estate

And then Autumn settled in at Delheim... With the old oaks dropping their acorns, we know it's time to pick cabernet sauvignon.

Delheim Wine Estate

Tuesday, 1 March, 2022

Delheim Estate and PYDA learning partnership leads to uLutsha birth

Young graduates launch their own wine brand, uLutsha, at iconic Stellenbosch Wine Route founding member wine estate, Delheim.

Delheim Wine Estate

Tuesday, 18 January, 2022

SA wine industry rolls out top waiter and wine service training courses

The South African wine tourism industry kicked off its newly finalised learning and development strategy with two successful wine tourism courses.

Tuesday, 7 December, 2021

Franschhoek celebrates first black-owned wine farm

Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Minister, Thoko Didiza, has welcomed the opening of a 100% black-owned winery, Klein Goederust.

Food for Mzanzi, Duncan Masiwa

Monday, 6 December, 2021

#VinoPeople with PYDA graduates Zhané Kidd and Zandile Vayise

We sit down with PYDA graduates and rising stars to chat about their bright futures in the wine industry.

Friday, 15 October, 2021

Request for wine donations for PYDA's graduation ceremony

This is a kind request for wine donations for our upcoming student Graduation which will be held on the 29 October 2021 in Stellenbosch.

Wednesday, 25 August, 2021

Work placements needed for PYDA wine and marketing students

The PYDA Wine and Marketing students are ready for their 5 week work placement and experiential learning from 11 September to 17 October 2021.

Tuesday, 24 August, 2021

What people say about wine.co.za: Maryna Calow, Nikki Munro, Sophia Warner and Nora Thiel

We are delighted to celebrate our 25th birthday this year and humbled by the very many wonderful messages of congratulation we have received.

Tuesday, 8 June, 2021

PYDA - Calling for work placements

We are heading into month 3 with our 50 students who are on our new 6 month Wine & Marketing programme. A key aspect of their learning with us is in programme work placements where they immerse into the sector and the world of work.

Wednesday, 26 May, 2021

Meet our students: Pinotage Youth Development Academy class of 2020

We speak to four students, for whom the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines was a particular highlight, to get a deeper understanding of what the course has meant to them and what they learnt.

Tuesday, 23 February, 2021

When Sperling The Sparrow Came Here To Stay

One of South Africa’s most loved and quirkiest fine wines celebrates its 60th anniversary this year with the latest release by Delheim in Stellenbosch.

Delheim Wine Estate

Wednesday, 10 February, 2021

Delheim gives graduates their first taste of the wine business

Renowned Stellenbosch winery Delheim is partnering to create a milestone for graduates – some from previously under resourced areas - creating their own wine product, start to finish.

Delheim Wine Estate

Monday, 8 February, 2021

The PYDA takes some of its own advice: Quitting is never an option

The PYDA was determined to stay afloat during lockdown, as quitting is never an option.

WoSA, Julia Moore

Tuesday, 10 November, 2020

Outstanding WSET success for Pinotage Youth Development Academy students

The International Wine Education Centre is delighted to announce fantastic results for this year’s intake of PYDA students.

Wednesday, 13 May, 2020

Local is most definitely Lekker: TOPS at SPAR Wine Show supports local wine industry & PYDA students

South Africa’s largest and most loved travelling wine show – TOPS at SPAR Wine Show presents the ideal opportunity for wine farms to invest in upskilling their entry-level staff at a marginal cost with direct access to the only Stage 2 Master of Wine (MW) student in Africa.

Debbie Combrink

FEATURED ARTICLE

Wednesday, 29 April, 2020

#WINEFORGOOD: Pinotage Youth Development Academy - Launching Talent

PYDA was founded in 2012 as the Pinotage Youth Development Academy with the goal of developing talented youth with historically disadvantaged backgrounds for employment in the wine sector and related industries.

Pinotage Youth Development Academy

FEATURED ARTICLE

Thursday, 6 February, 2020

A #wineforgood April: Raising the image of the South African wine industry

In the month of April, we share positive stories about the SA wine industry every day as part of our #wineforgood campaign.

wine.co.za, Trudie Webb

FEATURED ARTICLE

Tuesday, 12 November, 2019

Want to be inspired by our talented South African youth?

Attend the 2019 PYDA Wine Tourism Graduation on Friday 15 November and get filled with pride.

wine.co.za, Judy Brower

FEATURED ARTICLE

Wednesday, 12 June, 2019

Nomonde Kubheka shortlisted for ‘Future 50’ award

PYDA facilitator Nomonde Kubheka was shortlisted for the prestigious Future 50 award from more than 600 international nominations.

FEATURED ARTICLE

Friday, 3 May, 2019

What good is #wineforgood? A wrap of good news stories for April 2019

'Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world' - a well-known quote by Nelson Mandela is exactly right and education is of course a big focus of the #wineforgood campaign in the South African Winelands

wine.co.za, Judy Brower

FEATURED ARTICLE

Wednesday, 10 April, 2019

#wineforgood: A little mentorship goes a long way - Siwela Masoga and Denzel Swarts

Find out more about two changemakers in the South African wine industry, Siwela Masoga and Denzel Swartz.

wine.co.za, Trudie Webb

FEATURED ARTICLE

Saturday, 2 March, 2019

Why is April #wineforgood month?

This year we celebrate 25 years of democracy in South Africa and wine.co.za would like to recognise the significant changes and all the good work that is being done in the Cape winelands

wine.co.za, Judy Brower

FEATURED ARTICLE

Thursday, 7 February, 2019

PYDA is looking for a Fundraiser and Public Relations Co-ordinator

PYDA is a non-profit organisation based in Stellenbosch. It develops talented, previously disadvantaged 18 – 25 year old youth through an innovative programme that combines personal development with industry specific vocational training and practical work experience.

FEATURED ARTICLE

Thursday, 6 December, 2018

2018: A year in reflection at wine.co.za

It is really important for us to take time to reflect and be grateful for the life we have

wine.co.za, Judy Brower

Thursday, 29 November, 2018

Drostdy Hof wants to turbo-charge one young woman's wine career

Drostdy Hof is looking to jump-start the wine career of a promising young woman. The popular wine brand is collaborating with Stellenbosch-based Pinotage Youth Development Academy (PYDA), an independent organisation that prepares disadvantaged young matriculants for jobs in the wine, tourism and allied sectors.

FEATURED ARTICLE

Friday, 23 November, 2018

Out and About with wine.co.za: Quoin Rock Rebirth I Armand Kook Kaal I BLACC Fest I Celebration of Chard I PYDA Graduation

Naked chefs, winery rebirths, township wine festivals and Chardonnay celebrations in Robertson have kept the wine.co.za team out and about. Follow our month in the winelands through our photos...

FEATURED ARTICLE

Thursday, 15 November, 2018

Get ready for the next PYDA graduates

Need some inspiration? Then join us at the The Pinotage Youth Development Academy graduation ceremony on Friday 16 November.

wine.co.za, Judy Brower

FEATURED ARTICLE

Saturday, 1 July, 2017

KASI to KASI launched in the townships

PYDA producing enthusiastic wine ambassadors who are taking wine to the townships

Judy Brower - wine.co.za

Monday, 19 June, 2017

Active corporate citizenship can aid transformation in the Western Cape wine industry

To bring about much needed transformation in the Western Cape wine industry, including fostering young, previously disadvantaged and female talent, companies need to play an active role in the industry.

Thursday, 15 June, 2017

Pinotage Youth Development Academy: Launching talent to be the difference

On 19 May 2017 the Pinotage Youth Development Academy (PYDA) celebrated the graduation of another group of talented young people into the wine industry.

FEATURED ARTICLE

Tuesday, 6 June, 2017

PYDA adds to the wine workforce

Transformation in the wine industry is happening. It's slow, but it is happening and the Pinotage Youth Development Academy is playing an important role.

wine.co.za, Judy Brower

FEATURED ARTICLE

Monday, 5 June, 2017

Cape Town winners of the 2017 SAWTC announced

The Cape Town provincial leg of the South African Wine Tasting Championships took place at the luxurious TAJ Cape Town Hotel on the 3rd of June 2017. The SAWTC is the only event awarding wine tasters. It selects Team South Africa to fly the national colours at the World Championship of Wine Tasting - organised by the Revue du Vin de France, the French wine magazine published since 1927.

FEATURED ARTICLE

Wednesday, 31 May, 2017

The present catches up with the past

A spread of results, celebrating the achievements of producers from Constantia to the Northern Cape, and from cellars dating back several centuries to producers making their first wines in the last ten years, are a feature of the 2017 OMTWS laureates.

Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show

Friday, 30 December, 2016

Pinotage Youth Development Academy - 2016, a year of growth and greater impact!

The Pinotage Youth Development Academy is growing! New industry! New class!

Wednesday, 25 May, 2016

Education, education, education and again education

"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." - Nelson Mandela

wine.co.za, Judy Brower

Tuesday, 24 May, 2016

Graduates from youth academy enter the wine industry, “confident and ready to work”

This week a group of talented graduates enter the South African wine industry as trained wine industry professionals.

Friday, 20 May, 2016

PYDA students gain internationally-recognised WSET qualifications

21 Pinotage Youth Development Academy graduates gained internationally-recognised certificates from WSET upon completion of their Level 2 course.

Tuesday, 26 April, 2016

Lighting that spark

The Pinotage Youth Development Academy (PYDA) in Stellenbosch, which is the business and education hub of the wine industry, is a Not For Profit Company (NPC) run and managed by a committed, dynamic and enthusiastic multi-lingual local South African team with a strong ethos of student support.

Lindsaye Mc Gregor, Wosa.co.za

Friday, 4 March, 2016

Pinotage Youth Development Academy: Student applications

The Pinotage Youth Development Academy develops the capacity of young, talented South Africans to prepare them for employment within the wine industry.

Thursday, 10 December, 2015

Launching talent and making a difference

Lindsaye attended an event at the Oude Libertas in Stellenbosch celebrating three generations of students at the Pinotage Youth Development Academy (PYDA). Based in the town, the academy is a Not For Profit Company (NPC) run and managed by a multi-lingual local South African team

Lindsaye Mc Gregor

Thursday, 15 October, 2015

Proudly & Uniquely South African - Pinotage (Youth Development Academy)

International Pinotage Day, which took place on the 10th of October, shone a spotlight on this uniquely South African grape variety. It also prompted questions about how closely the Pinotage Youth Development Academy (PYDA) is linked to this varietal and specifically, the wine industry.

Wednesday, 7 October, 2015

A Xhosa man in the wine industry

We introduce a determined young man from the Pinotage Youth Development Academy; keen to make his way in the wine world.

Linamandla Sinxutu

Wednesday, 21 January, 2015

Jancis Robinson Visits PYDA

On the 20th January 2014, Jancis Robinson, international wine critic and journalist, visited PYDA (Pinotage Youth Development Academy) in Stellenbosch.

Pinotage Youth Development Academy

Monday, 3 November, 2014

Talent Launched - Pinotage Youth Development Academy

Key wine industry representatives gathered at Oude Libertas in Stellenbosch on the afternoon of Wednesday 29th October for an event to showcase young talent being launched into the sector.

Talent Launched - Pinotage Youth Development Acade

Thursday, 1 August, 2013

Developing young talent for employment in the wine industry

The Pinotage Youth Development Academy (PYDA) celebrated its official launch at Solms-Delta winery, Franschhoek. Having officially opened its doors to the first class of 25 students on 3 June 2013, this event served as a formal introduction to the Academy and its students.

Pinotage Youth Development Academy

Tuesday, 23 July, 2013

Pinotage Youth Development Academy

Find out why and how the academy operates.

subscribe to news