The Cape Winemakers Guild Protégé Programme was launched in 2006 with the goal of bringing about transformation in the wine industry through cultivating and nurturing winemakers from previously disadvantaged groups to become winemakers of excellence. It is the long-term vision that some of these Protégés could in time be invited to become members of the Cape Winemakers Guild.

Through the Protégé Programme passionate young winemakers have the opportunity to hone their skills and knowledge under the guidance of some of the country’s top winemakers. The Protégé Programme comprises a 3 year internship and only final third and fourth year students who have studied Viticulture and Oenology at either the University of Stellenbosch or Elsenburg Agricultural College, can apply for the Programme.

With the assistance of AGRI-Seta, the Guild also offers bursaries to cover the study fees of final-year winemaking students at Elsenburg and Stellenbosch University.

Those wanting to apply to become a CWG Protégé or apply for a final year bursary, should contact Protégé Programme Facilitator, Magda Vorster, on protege@capewinemakersguild.com.

Proteges for 2013
Philani Shongwe, Thornton Pillay, Elmarie Botes, Wade Sander, Chandre Petersen, Ricardo Cloete and Heinrich Kulsen.

Objectives of the Protégé Programme

• To identify young winemakers with potential for excellence through a detailed selection process.
• To inspire young winemakers to excellence through involvement with Guild functions and other industry events.
• To offer an opportunity to young winemakers to learn and acquire skills through working for, working alongside and being mentored by Guild winemakers.
• To encourage young winemakers to reach their full potential in winemaking through participating in a personal coaching programme.
• To expose the young winemakers to a wide range of wineries, wine types, roles in the winery and skills for a winemaker through a paid internship over three years.
• To prepare young winemakers of colour for a career in winemaking through facilitating interactions and networks within the industry.

Selection Criteria

• Must be from a previously disadvantaged group
• Must be enrolled for a BSc. or B. Viticulture & Oenology
• Must intend to become a winemaker
• Must be obtaining an academic aggregate of 60%
• Must be in third year or fourth year of studies
• Must have no employment contracts or obligations post graduation
• Must have an aptitude for winemaking

Selection Process

• Fill in an application form
• Submit recommendations from academic lecturers & supervisors
• Sit for a psychometric evaluation
• Panel interview
• Possible Appointment

Programme Content

During the internship, programme participants receive:

• Job security for 3 years *
• Mentoring from the best winemakers
• Coaching and life skills mentorship
• Attendance of selected Cape Winemakers Guild functions
• Industry networking opportunities
• The opportunity to make their own wine
• A certificate of completion at the end of the 3 years

* Note: The first year in the programme is probationary and should the intern not meet the requirements after this initial year, he or she will be released from the programme.

Duration

The programme comprises of a 3 year paid internship.

Placement

Each internship placement is of a minimum 6 months to 1 year duration All placements are with Guild winemakers

Graduation

After the 3 year period, the intern is free to find employment in the industry

Internship will only begin on successful graduation with a degree or diploma in Viticulture and Oenology.

Programme Sponsorship

The programme is funded by the Nedbank Cape Winemakers Guild Development Trust and donations from the Nedbank Foundation.

Nedbank and the Cape Winemakers Guild are committed to assisting in the development of individuals from previously disadvantaged groups and provide bursary assistance for numerous high school learners.

Protégé Programme Bursaries :

The CWG also offers a limited number of bursaries, each to the value of R 30 000, to assist final year BSc or B-Agric Viticulture and Oenology students from disadvantaged backgrounds with the cost of completing their final year of study at either Elsenburg College or Stellenbosch University.

The aim of offering these bursaries is to identify potential Protégés at an early stage and to assist with the cost of their final year of education.

Students awarded the Protégé Programme Bursaries are obliged to make themselves available for the Protégé Programme selection once graduated. Should they be successfully selected for the Protégé Programme, they must join the Protégé Programme for a period of three years where they will and work at Guild members’ cellars and undergo mentoring and coaching.

Students wishing to apply for the bursaries are selected at a panel interview and only those with outstanding marks and an excellent aptitude for winemaking are chosen.

The Protégé Programme Facilitator will mentor, support, advise and guide the students through their final year of studies and assist them with the Protégé Programme interview process.

Those wanting to find out more about the bursaries offered should contact Protégé Programme Facilitator, Magda Vorster, on protege@capewinemakersguild.com.