Nelson Buthelezi is the assistant winemaker of Delheim, Stellenbosch. His father worked on the mines, but the 8 Buthelezi children spent their childhood and youth in Ulundi, KZN.
His grandfather was a local priest who served grape juice during Communion.
Nelson’s introduction to the SA wine industry was in his grandfather’s church. He was extremely curious and fascinated as a small boy about the grape juice served in the church; how it is made and where it comes from.
Nelson passed his matric in 1995 successfully and the principal of his school, who played an important role in his life, gave him a copy of the Wineland magazine. An article in the magazine informed the readers about a project aiming to employ more young people in the wine industry. Nelson made contact and was employed by Spier as a cleaner, but soon he was moved to the tasting room, assisting with tastings and sales.
Nelson has a passion for wine-making and the wine industry.
Read more about Nelson in the Winetech Tegnies section, of the Wineland Magazine, June issue.