After studying medicine for three years, Abbey Pretorius knew her heart wasn’t in it. She wanted to work close to nature and considered becoming a veterinarian or farmer, but, in the end, wine captured her imagination. So, she changed courses and studied winemaking at Stellenbosch University, and graduated with a BSc Viticulture and Oenology degree.
In 2022, she started working as a intern at Boschendal, and a year and a half later she was appointed as an assistant winemaker for Franschhoek Cellar and Backsberg.
In 2024, Abbey made WineLand Media's 30 Under 30 list of 30 young professionals recognised for their contributions to the South African wine industry.