Who inspired me
“I have a passion for service and a natural inclination towards this field. The hospitality industry offers an opportunity to interact with people from diverse backgrounds. My role models are Ndaba Dube and Tinashe Nyamudoka of Kumusha Wines. My goal is to become a business owner in the hospitality industry. I love keeping up with news and topics in magazines.
Highlights of the Inter-Hotel Challenge SA 2024 'Grain and Grape to Glass week
The Grain & Grape to Glass week was phenomenal. First, I would like to mention that the Bruce Jack story inspired me. I had been selling his wines without knowing the full story behind it, but now I am confident in selling it with the same level of knowledge as other wine farms I have visited.
I learned about the Elim ward, which is known for its cool climate. They don’t spray their vineyards for phylloxera root louse, making them disease-free. I also learned about organic wine.
I was impressed by the explanations provided by various winemakers, each having their own style. Morgan Steyn at De Grendel, David Nieuwoudt of Cederberg Wines, Hanri Ferriera at Kleine Zalze, and Charl Schoeman and Jacques Viljoen at Boschendal. Their explanations of malolactic fermentation and lees were deep and excellent.
I also noticed that Ernie Els Winery uses concrete tanks for red wine. I had a great experience working with Bellingham, Brampton, Boschendal, and other wineries in Franschhoek.
Axolile Pupuma is a candidate wine steward for the 2024 Inter Hotel Challenge