His visit to Ravenswood, one the many wine farms of Constellation, the world's biggest wine company, was arranged by his current mentor, Bruce Jack of Flagstone Winery, as part of an agricultural exchange programme. At Ravenswood Winery, Booysen will have the opportunity to learn more about the technical aspects, cultivation and vinification of wine including Zinfandel, a varietal synonymous with California.
“I feel exceptionally privileged and excited about my visit to California, especially since this is my first overseas visit. I look forward to learning more about the country, the American culture and the spectacular landscapes,” said Booysen, who will be staying at Ravenswood until mid-December.
He has already completed internships at Hartenberg Estate under the mentorship of Carl Schultz and Flagstone Winery and upon his return from the USA he will move on to Jordan Wines with Gary Jordan.
“Wine is the essence of nature infused with passion, skill and hard work. It's a lifetime experience which I am very grateful for,” Booysen added.
The CWG Protégé Programme was launched in 2006 with the vision to bring about transformation in the wine industry through cultivating and nurturing winemakers from previously disadvantaged groups to become winemakers of excellence, who can in time be invited to become members of the Cape Winemakers Guild.
Through the Protégé Programme, passionate young winemakers have the opportunity to hone their skills and knowledge under the guidance of some of the country's top winemakers, who are also members of the Guild. The Protégé programme comprises a two-year internship and only final third and fourth year students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds who have studied Viticulture and Oenology at either the University of Stellenbosch or Elsenburg Agricultural College, can apply for the programme.
For further information visit www.capewinemakersguild.com/protege, e-mail: or call 021-852 0408.
