Solms-Delta welcomes two expert women wine makers
Friday, 5 August, 2011
Solms-Delta Wine Estate
In acknowledgement of Women's Day this month, it is fitting to welcome
two ladies, well-respected in the local wine industry, into the
Solms-Delta fold.
Rosa Kruger is the new viticulture manager at Solms-Delta. Her M.A. in communications and LL.B. degrees may seem unusual for the business of wresting the juices from the vine, but Rosa has forthright ideas about the relationship between the organic, complex quality of nature and the intellectual challenge of viticulture. “Viticulture is a science like law,” she says, “but one which embraces individual talent and choice.” She said significantly French and Italian vineyard owners had long acknowledged this and integrated the crafts of viticulturist and winemaker, of being both scientist and artist in the vineyard and the cellar.
Rosa has accumulated extensive experience at Rupert Wines, Rupert and Rothschild, Cape Point Vineyards and worked with Eben Sadie and in various vineyards in France, Spain, Italy, Argentina and Slovakia. A worthy pedigree. Solms-Delta welcomes this clear-thinking, experienced viticulturist onto their team.
The other new addition to the successful wine-making team is assistant winemaker Maria Botha. Armed with a BSc Agric degree with majors in Oenology and Viticulture, she has worked in cellars and vineyards in France, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, England and the United States. Plus a few vineyards in South Africa like Thelema, Vilafonte and Beaumont wines.
Now firmly back in South Africa, Maria views the road that is rising up to meet her with unbridled enthusiasm. “I have a passion for wine, nature and the progression from vine into wine. I love physical work and getting my hands dirty and I am looking forward to working with the cellar team. I find myself in a very fortunate position to be able to work alongside Hilko Hegewisch, from whom I have already learned a great deal."
With the outstanding qualities of these forward-thinking young women, Solms-Delta is poised for even greater success in the future.
Rosa Kruger, Viticulture Manager
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