Boost for SA Terroir Wine Awards, skills development

6 Mar 2009

Novare Actuaries and Consultants, the South African implemented investment consulting firm, has boosted its contribution to the development of the country's wine industry by making available additional funds to recognise wine-making excellence, while also investing in agricultural skills development.

Johan Henn, left, CEO, Novare; Azola Majeke, head of research, Novare; Joyene Isaacs, head of department, Western Cape Department of Agriculture, and Peter John Danster, Novare bursary award recipient 2008.

The company announced an increase in its sponsorship of the SA Terroir Wine Awards, described by South Africa's renowned international wine expert and judge, Dave Hughes, as “the world's most exclusive wine competition”.

In partnership with the Western Cape's Department of Agriculture, and as an investment in skills development and transformation in agriculture, the company also funded a bursary to the value of R20,000 towards a career in agriculture. Training courses will take place at the Cape Institute for Agricultural Training at Elsenberg, Stellenbosch in 2009.

The SA Terroir Wine Awards differ in its approach to classifying the origin of grapes by making soil and climate part of each wine's distinctive identity. The awards, with the co-operation of the Wine and Spirit Board, strictly apply the rule that only wines certified from a specific ward, estate or vineyard can participate.