New Van Ryn's Award for Brandy Excellence

Nina-Mari Bruwer (left), and Marlene Bester (right)

She scored the highest grade in the brandy module of the Cape Wine Master's (CWM) programme. All CWM candidates are required to write an exam on brandy making and pass a brandy taste exam to complete the syllabus and earn their certification.

The Mont Blois Wine Estate winemaker, who is married to the manager of the sixth-generation family farm, also received top marks when she took the Van Ryn's Advanced Brandy Course Certificate programme in 2012.

She has been working at Mont Blois since 2008 and previously was with Thelema Mountain Vineyards and Boekenhoutskloof Winery.

Cape Wine Academy MD Michelle Grimbeek says that with her winemaking expertise and experienced brandy palate, Bruwer is well-placed to make a positive contribution to South Africa's flourishing specialty brandy sector. "With such erudition and a love for brandy, she has what is needed to tell more South Africans about our exciting, internationally acclaimed brandies and what makes them worthy of attention by connoisseurs."