Following the success that the project has since
achieved on local and international level, Kathy has now handed over the reigns
to Elizma Myburgh from Piwosa (Premium Independent Wineries of South Africa) in
the hope that this initiative will touch the lives of even more women going
forward.
Kathy recalls that, when she first started out in the
wine industry, women were not very visible and prominent. “I was fortunate to
receive good opportunities and with this initiative I want to help young women
in the wine industry who otherwise would not necessarily be given a chance.”
The Women in Wine initiative consists of an
international and local component. On local level a promising,
previously-disadvantaged woman who is already working in the industry, but is
not a winemaker, is selected. “The Cape Winemakers Guild Protégé programme
already provides opportunities for upcoming winemakers, and we want to reach
the rest of the industry through this initiative,” explains Kathy.
Lungiswa Sithole works at the Radisson
Blu Hotel in Cape Town and is the first local candidate. The initiative is
based on a combination of training and mentorship, and Lungiswa has already
passed her Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 1 and 2, while also
visiting Jordan on a regular basis to practically learn about the workings of a
wine farm and cellar throughout the year.
“Black women are the backbone of South
Africa; they keep the country going. These women are often single parents and
for that very reason we want to support them and give them a bit of a break,”
says Kathy. “Our aim is to create an opportunity that makes it possible for
them to grow and develop in their current work circumstances, and to follow
their dreams in this way.”
For Lungiswa it is both a big
opportunity and challenge, but she is well aware of the fact that she cannot
afford to let this opportunity pass her by. The initiative has changed her life
and while it is not always easy, she continues to pursue her passion in the
hope that she will one day become a qualified sommelier.
In conjunction with this initiative,
Jordan has also sponsored two other candidates to complete the WSET Level 1
course. Nikko Mayo from Jordan Restaurant and Kholeka Melane from Den Ander
Restaurant both recently passed this course.
“There are many women working outside of
the winemaking division of the industry – from waitresses and saleswomen, to
marketers and journalists – and we want to focus on this group and invest in
their careers, as ultimately it will benefit the entire wine industry,” says
Kathy.
The international component of the Women
in Wine initiative is based on the same principles and creates opportunities
for trained, international women to participate in an internship at Jordan in
South Africa. Due to the natural ties between Jordan and the UK, the programme
initially began there, but has since been made available to any international
women with a recognised degree or diploma in Oenology, or a minimum WSET
Diploma.
The initiative is endorsed by Jancis
Robinson and advertised on her website, and according to Kathy they have
received unbelievable interest from all over the world. Jancis will be one of
the speakers at the VinPro Information day in January next year.
Two international candidates were chosen
last year to take part in the 2014 harvest season at Jordan. Regine Lee, an
American living in the UK, is an international business manager for WSET, and
Laura Atkinson, a Brit, works for Berry Bros. & Rudd.
Regine and Laura spent about seven weeks
harvesting at Jordan earlier this year, and also visited other South African
wineries and regions during this time. Laura found it incredibly valuable to
physically experience the winemaking process, rather than merely reading or
talking about it. “It was not what I expected, it was much more difficult, but
also more rewarding!” she says.
According to Regine the practical
experience also encouraged her as a woman in the industry. “I met so many
inspirational women during my time here and I am proud that we are equal to men
in the industry. It's not all about physical size and strength – women are just
as capable,” she says.
“Although women can regularly compete
against men on their own merit, it is still important to have visible examples
of successful women in the industry to act as role models. We have to make the
younger generation of women in the wine trade aware that it is an open and
accessible industry.”
Apart from the physical harvest
experience, the internship also aims to market South Africa as a wine producing
country, and both Regine and Laura are full of praise in this regard. Regine
believes that although South African wine can compete against a multitude of
other wines on the international market, the real marketing edge is the story
behind our wines – the personalities and philosophies, unique terroir and
history. This helps people to understand the wines better and encourages them
to drink more of it.
It has now been two years since Kathy
launched the initiative, and it was recently decided to expand the project
further by making it accessible to the members of Piwosa, of which Jordan is
also part.
Elizma Myburgh will henceforward manage
the administration and she explains that while all 15 members will not be able
to offer internships, the programme will try to give international candidates
exposure to as many wineries and wines as possible.
On local level, participating Piwosa
members will choose their own candidate and in this way even more South African
women will receive the opportunity to realise their dreams and ideals in the
wine industry.
“The Women in Wine initiative not only encourages
job creation on a local level, but also emphasises the good work and ethical
investment of the South African wine industry on a daily basis,” says Elizma.
“We hope that this programme will help to spread a continued positive image of
South Africa to the rest of the world and that it will
set an example for other industries and countries to follow.”
Starting with Kathy's humble idea to
make a difference and to simply do "something" for women in the wine
industry, this initiative has now hit its stride and is able to reach and
empower more women to pursue their dreams with passion and hope.