Thabo Ntuthu's journey in the world of hospitality started when he worked as a barback at Star Bar in Somerset West and a waiter at Ciao Bella Pizzeria in Strand in 2016
In 2017, he studied hospitality and catering studies at Northlink College Tygerberg, graduating with a diploma. He worked in Vergenoegd Löw's tasting room part-time during his year of studies.
After he completed his studies, he moved to Stellenbosch and started working as a waiter at Indochine Restaurant at Delaire Graff Estate. In 2019, he moved on to Tokara where he worked as a tasting room wine ambassador. Here, he he had an unusual opportunity: When the Covid-19 pandemic shut down global travel in 2020, the cellar was without their usual international interns, and Thabo was able to gain valuable winemaking knowledge by assisting in their stead. In turn this led him to complete the Learnership Programme at Elsenburg, with a focus on winemaking. At the same time, he was also doing the Certificate Wine Course at Cape Wine Academy.
In 2022, wanting a service qualification, he also qualified as a SASA Junior Sommelier. Thabo was appointed as a junior sommelier at Oldenburg Vineyards in December 2023. He transitioned to a cellar intern in February 2024 and is now focusing on the intricacies of winemaking as well as sommellerie.
In 2024, Thabo made WineLand Media's 30 Under 30 list – a list of 30 young professionals recognised for their contributions to the South African wine industry.