Raised amidst the sprawling vineyards of the Constantia Valley, Sebastian Worthington-Fitnum didn’t always dream of becoming a winemaker. Uncertain of his path after school, he dabbled in various careers until a visit to the Buitenverwachting cellar opened his eyes to the possibility of combining his love for creating with his thirst for discovery.
He studied BSc Viticulture and Enology at Stellenbosch University, and thereafter he worked as a harvest intern at various wine farms, including Waterford Estate, Ernie Els Wines and Waterkloof. Abroad, he completed harvests in the United Kingdom and United States. In 2021, he was appointed as the assistant winemaker at Klein Constantia.
Having worked with several well-known and respected winemakers, Sebastian lists Mark le Roux at Waterford Estate, Louis Strydom at Ernie Els Wines and Charla Bosman at Sijnn as some of the mentors who’ve shaped his career. However, it’s Klein Constantia winemaker Matt Day he’s looked up to since working in the estate’s tasting room in 2015.
In 2024, Sebastian made WineLand Media's 30 Under 30 list – a list of 30 young professionals recognised for their contributions to the South African wine industry.