In Vuvu, the small Eastern Cape town where Sizeka Mpupu grew up, wine and grapes were a rarity. These days, however, Sizeka finds herself surrounded by vineyards and deeply committed to the art and chemistry of winemaking. Such is her passion for the craft that she recently became the recipient of the Paul Plant Award after being named the Cape Winemakers Guild Protégé of the Year in 2024.
Currently in her second year of the prestigious three-year Cape Winemakers Guild Protégé Programme, Sizeka found her way to winemaking by following the golden thread of her love for chemistry.
During a post-matric internship with the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, she spent some time at Elsenburg College in Stellenbosch, where she witnessed students conducting grape analyses.
“I didn’t know what they were doing, but understood that chemistry was behind it,” Sizeka recalls. “After doing some research, I instantly knew that this was the career I had been dreaming of and decided to pursue my studies in winemaking.”
Becoming a protégé
After completing her three-year degree in Viticulture and Oenology at Elsenburg, Sizeka was selected to participate in the Cape Winemakers Guild Protégé Programme and embraced this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for mentorship and career development.
She spent her first year (2024) at Le Riche Wines under the guidance of Christo Le Riche where she gained invaluable experience working with Cabernet Sauvignon and learning winemaking techniques.
During this time, Sizeka’s dedication to and natural talent for the craft of winemaking resulted in her receiving the Paul Plant Award for being named the 2024 Protégé of the Year. This achievement celebrates a protégé who consistently demonstrates excellence, not only in technical winemaking ability, but also in attitude, leadership, and commitment to the values of the Cape Winemakers Guild.
While the award is open to all protégés regardless of their year in the programme, it typically goes to more experienced candidates who have had more time to develop their skills, which makes Sizeka’s recognition as a first-year protégé even more remarkable.
“It truly highlights the exceptional nature of her performance and potential in the wine industry,” says Magda Vorster, Cape Winemakers Guild Protégé Programme facilitator. Sizeka distinguished herself from early on with her ability to absorb knowledge, engage with others, and take initiative. She embodies the spirit of this award and represents the future of South African winemaking with grace, passion and integrity.”
“Being selected as a Protégé of the Year was really a humbling and rewarding moment. The award was not just a recognition of hard work but of growth and a sign of learning, progressing and taking in values and knowledge shared by my mentors,” she says.
This year, Sizeka’s focus has shifted to Pinot Noir under the mentorship of Hannes Storm at Storm Wines in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley outside Hermanus.
“I am making my own barrel of Pinot Noir as part of the programme, which has been such a meaningful project, not only for my learning, but also for finding my own voice as a winemaker,” she says.
An ever-evolving art
Apart from her fascination with the chemistry of winemaking, Sizeka cites nature, the vineyard and the cultural richness surrounding winemaking as her main sources of inspiration.
“Something I find incredibly motivating is how winemaking is never fixed, but constantly evolving,” she explains. “That connection to the land, the vines, and the people involved is what drives my passion and keeps me focused on growing as both a winemaker and a person.”
So much more than career development
With another year-and-a-half to go as a protégé, Sizeka is committed to soaking up as much knowledge and experience as possible.
“I truly believe that great winemaking starts in the vineyard, so I’m excited to learn more about every step of the journey, from the soil the vines grow in, to the glass, then to consumers.”
Apart from gaining a wealth of professional experience, Sizeka adds that being part of the Protégé Programme has allowed her to become more confident, resilient and self-aware, thanks to life-coaching and skills development training.
“Since becoming a protégé, I have learned how to handle pressure, communicate better, and stay grounded. I feel more prepared for the real world, not just as a winemaker, but as someone with something meaningful to contribute.”
Future dreams
Turning her gaze toward the future, Sizeka dreams of one day starting her own brand where she can express her winemaking philosophy and share her story through wine.
“Inspired by my amazing mentors, I would also like to be a mentor to others, especially young and upcoming winemakers,” she adds. “I want to be an example of what’s possible when you work hard and believe in your passion.”
