First Cape Winemakers Guild Viticulture Protégé kick starts his career

The first graduate to complete the Cape Winemakers Guild Viticulture Protégé Programme has made his debut in the wine industry with a full-time position as viticulturist at Bartinney Wine Estate in Stellenbosch.

Logan Jooste, who honed his skills during his 2 ½ year internship, was mentored by Guild members, Louis Strydom at Ernie Els Vineyards, Charles Hopkins at De Grendel Wines and Pieter Ferreira at Graham Beck Wines.

“During my time in the Cape Winemakers Guild Protégé Programme I realised that theory is just a guideline and that being a viticulturist is more than just looking after the vineyards. The opportunity of learning from the best allowed my passion for the vineyards to grow even stronger,” says Logan.

Logan who stems from Kylemore in Stellenbosch, was chosen as the Guild’s first Viticulture Protégé in 2015 after graduating with a BSc degree in Viticulture and Oenology from the University of Stellenbosch.

“I am thankful to the Cape Winemakers Guild, Nedbank, VinPro and all my mentors throughout my internship for giving me the opportunity to learn more and contribute to my future. I am excited about my new adventure at Bartinney where I can live my passion and continue to learn more about the industry,” he adds.

Under the mentorship of members of the Guild and the patronage of the Nedbank Cape Winemakers Guild Development Trust, Oenology and Viticulture protégés are cultivated, nurtured and empowered to become masters of their craft while enjoying the rare opportunity of working side by side with leaders in the wine industry. Since its inception in 2006, the Protégé Programme has seen 24 interns coming through the ranks. With Logan stepping into the industry as full time viticulturist, the programme has produced no less than 14 graduates pursuing promising careers in the field of wine.

For more information on the Guild, contact Tel: 021 852 0408 or send an email to info@capewinemakersguild.com. Students interested in applying for the Protégé Programme can visit the Guild’s website at www.capewinemakersguild.com.

Picture: SUPPLIED