His journey in the world of hospitality started as a barback at Star Bar in Somerset West in 2016. Thabo Ntuthu (25) quickly moved on to embrace the flavours of Italy as a waiter at Ciao Bella Pizzeria in Strand before pursuing hospitality and catering studies at Northlink College Tygerberg in 2017.
His educational journey, a mix of theory and hands-on experience, led him to the prestigious Vergenoegd Löw where he honed his skills as a tasting room wine advisor. Opportunities continued to unfold with a stint at Delaire Graff Estate where he refined his craft as a waitron until 2020 while completing his WSET levels 2 and 3 in 2021.
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Thabo’s thirst for knowledge never waned – in 2020 he completed the Cape Wine Academy South African Wine and SKOP 1 courses. He had discovered his calling on the production side of the industry and joined Tokara’s harvest team as an intern. Thabo owes his involvement in winemaking to Tim Withfield, former assistant winemaker at Tokara, whose keen observation led him to discover Thabo’s potential and generously impart his knowledge of wine.
In 2021, he enrolled at Elsenburg College for a plant production course, and in 2022 he qualified for a diploma to study cellar technology. “Here I met head wine lecturer Lorraine Geldenhuys who generously invested her time in me, conducting cellar tours and wine tastings to enhance my knowledge and skills in the field,” Thabo says. “Her guidance played a pivotal role in shaping my expertise and passion for wine.” He intends to complete his studies this year.
In 2022, wanting a service qualification, he also qualified as a SASA Junior Sommelier. In December last year, Thabo was appointed as a junior sommelier at Oldenburg Vineyards. He transitioned to a cellar intern in February and is now focusing on the intricacies of winemaking.
“My dream is to one day see my name on my own wine label,” he says. His aspirations extend beyond crafting his own wine, he envisions sharing his creations directly with consumers and forging connections through each bottle poured. His ambition encompasses not just winemaking, but the art of storytelling and joy of shared experiences.
Included on his bucket list is a desire to complete an international harvest. “A winemaker forever remains a student for the world of winemaking is vast and full of diverse facets waiting to be discovered,” he says. “I welcome each day as an opportunity to learn and grow.”
He admires South Africa’s winemakers, and says they’re making waves with their innovation. “Hopefully that will be me one day.”
Rapid fire Q&A
- Favourite wine ever tasted? Meerlust Rubicon 2015
- Favourite bingeworthy TV show? Peaky Blinders
- Favourite pick-me-up song? Riton x Nightcrawlers - "Friday" ft. Mufasa & Hypeman
- Least-known fact about you? I’m into body building.
- Ideal holiday destination? Knysna
To keep up with Thabo's journey, follow him on Instagram at @wynstem.