At the beginning of 2011 Franco left Slanghoek Cellar to pursue other opportunities and in 2013 he joined Opstal Estate as a junior winemaker.
Franco succesfully completed the Wine Training SA SKOP 3 and one module of the WTSA Junior Cellar Management training programme. He is a regular participant of the Winetech study groups since 2014.
Franco is passionate about his work at Opstal and believes that there is always something new to learn. He particularly enjoys working with the Opstal barrel fermented Chenin blanc.
Attie Louw is a mentor to Franco and they have regular sessions annually. Franco believes that many individuals do not want to take responsibility and consequently cannot make progress.
He believes a role model should always be humble; maintain a good attitude in all circumstances; respect others and learn from mistakes.
Franco is involved in the youth project of the Slanghoek Primary School. His future is at Opstal Estate and he hopes to be oppointed assistant winemaker at Opstal one day. Franco would also like to complete his matric. His message to fellow cellar assistants is that one should never give up. Franco’s approach is focussed and his passion for his work at Opstal makes a huge impression.