“The competition was so tough that we have 14 finalists this year, compared to the usual Top 10. Some of the finalists obtained the same mark,” said Santi Basson, project leader of the Winetech Study Groups and SA Cellar Worker Programme.
The programme aims to empower cellar workers by transferring knowledge and technology during an annual series of Winetech Study Groups in the respective wine grape growing areas, followed by an evaluation and award to the top cellar worker.
A total of 369 cellar workers participated in the Winetech Study Groups. All of the finalists obtained a mark higher than 85%.
• Ivan Xelelo, Lourensford
• Regan Theodore, Vergenoegd
• Gert Booysen, Neethlingshof
• Patrick Williams, DGB Boschendal
• Elvezo Barry, DGB Boschendal
• Gareth van Wyk, DGB Wellington
• Heinrich Lafleur, DGB Wellington
• Anrico Samuels, Linton Park Wines
• Jason Tiras, Diemersfontein
• Godfrey Josiah, La Motte
• Franco Magerman, Opstal Estate
• Maruis Stevens, Graham Beck Wines
• Riaan de Klerk, Stellar Winery
• Christo Beukes, Klawer Cellar
The 14 finalists will be evaluated further on 22 September 2016 to identify the Top 3 and winner of the 2016 SA Cellar Worker Programme. The winner will be announced at the annual Cellar Worker Information Day on 28 October 2016.
The SA Cellar Worker Programme is funded by the VinPro Foundation and the study groups are made possible by Winetech. Nedbank is involved as sponsor of the Cellar Worker Information Day.
