The mentorship initiative gives talented graduates the rare opportunity to work side by side with some of the country's finest winemakers.
Heinrich Kulsen, who completed his degree in Cellar Technology at Elsenburg last year, joins Ernie Els under the mentorship of Louis Strydom. Thrilled to become a protégé he said, "It is a privilege to be a part of the most noble wine organisation in the country."
Completing her degree in Viticulture and Oenology also at Elsenburg, Chandré Petersen will be put through her paces under the watchful eye of winemaker Bernhard Veller at Nitida. With dreams of becoming an expert winemaker, she says, "I believe in building a solid practical and theoretical foundation to reach my goals and believe the Protégé programme will allow me to hone my skills and put into practice the theoretical background I have gained so far."
Philani Shongwe, a graduate in Viticulture and Oenology from the University of Stellenbosch, shares their sentiments at being selected as a protégé. "Completing this internship successfully is like gaining a treasure that no one can take away from me," he says, interning at Paul Cluver where he will be learning his craft from winemaker Andries Burger.
Students interested in applying for the Protégé Programme can go to www.capewinemakersguild.com.
