“The love I have for people, along with my passion for serving and helping others, inspired me to join the hospitality industry. I believe I can make a difference with my skills.
My role models include Wine Steward Kuzello and my experience at The Palace of The Lost City. I want to embark on my journey as a wine steward and see where it takes me as I spread my wings.
I am about to enrol in a beverage course to gain the knowledge I need for this journey.
Reading
‘World Atlas of Wine’ By Hugh Johnson, published by Mitchell Beazley
Who inspired me
I would like to say that Jean-Vincent Ridon of Sommeliers Academy was my most inspirational figure. He explained that in the industry, it doesn’t matter where you're from. He started armed with nothing but his passion to become the best, and that triggered something in me. It made me believe that if I put my mind and effort into something, I will indeed achieve it.
But not only him – I also admire Cederberg’s David Nieuwoudt. What a great person to have met! He showed me that wine is like culture – it can be learned and enjoyed. All you need is a positive attitude towards your goals, and you will thrive.
What advice would I give to someone pursuing the industry?
Cape Town is the place to be. Experience different wine tastings, learn the history behind each wine, and understand how it evolves from grain and grape to glass. Learning about wine is exciting, and you'll always discover something new about the industry and how wine is made, which will enrich other areas of your daily life.”
Highlights of the Inter-Hotel Challenge SA 2024 "Grain and Grape to Glass week
Incredibly inspirational and informative! I can say it was an eye-opener in many ways. Learning how wine is made—from harvesting to pressing, fermentation, and bottling—was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Moreover, meeting and making new friends during that week was one of the things that made it truly memorable.”
Enoch Modise is a candidate wine steward for the 2024 Inter Hotel Challenge