Behind South Africa’s black wine brand owners is a force to be reckoned with. That force is Wendy Petersen, executive manager at South African Wine Industry Transformation Unit (SAWITU).
Petersen comes from humble beginnings and has managed to climb the wine ladder of success. But nothing has come easy with life’s curveballs and challenges thrown into the mix.
Today, as the voice of many black-owned wine brands, Petersen is on a mission to increase the representation of black people in Mzansi’s wine industry, as well as strengthen and accelerate the development of wine farms and businesses owned by black people. And that’s only one part of the footprint she intends to make.
Petersen’s career puzzle
After being hired in February 2019 as the SAWITU transformation operations manager, Petersen has played a key part in the growth and expansion of black-owned brands and farms in the wine sector.
Under her direction, transformation programmes have gained momentum. She supports wine entrepreneurs in all facets of their companies. Thanks to her technical and marketing expertise as well as her passion for mentoring, she is levelling up wine brands, one sip at a time.
“I love the space I’m working in, enabling small enterprises to develop,” she tells Food For Mzansi. “It’s as if all the pieces of my career puzzle are falling into place with my current position.”
Started from the bottom, and now she’s here
Petersen began her career in the wine business in 1993 as a laboratory technologist for Monis, a branch of the former Stellenbosch Farmers Winery in Paarl. This was during a time when such positions were only just becoming available to persons of colour.
As a member of a small expert group, working on product innovation and development for some of South Africa’s most popular alcoholic brands, including Amarula Cream Liqueur, Bainskloof Whisky, Hunters range, Savanna, Vawter, and Esprit, she was promoted to the head office in Stellenbosch in 1997.
Her secret to success is simple, passion. “I would not call it the ladder of success but rather a ladder in following my purpose in life.
“I’ve been very fortunate in being blessed with hardworking and perseverance genes from my parents. I believe that I was placed in the industry to make and become a difference. It has not been easy but the satisfaction I get from doing what I love is what inspires me,” Petersen says.
The foundation of Petersen’s professional progress is her acquisition of numerous credentials in project management, packaging technology, and product development.
Early riser
A day in the life of Petersen never looks the same. She usually wakes up at 03:30 or 03:45 each morning, praying or meditating on her stoep.
“Then at 05:00 am, I start planning for the day [which is followed by a] morning walk from 5:30 to 06:00.”
This is usually followed by getting her children ready for school and university every morning.
“I get to work at 8:00 am, and then have quick discussions with my team in terms of problem-solving or urgent matters. Meetings normally start at 9:00 am.
“During the day it can be anything from financial, HR, budget, market access, funding or preparation for board meetings. Sometimes, policies and documents need to be drafted or commented on. From 17:00 I’m alone in the office, answer emails and plan for the next day,” she explains.
Petersen’s tips for young people wanting to enter the wine industry:
- Do your research about the industry.
- Make sure that you find yourself a good mentor that will be able to provide advice and guidance.
- Find out what services are available at no charge to ensure that you do not waste the money that you need at a later stage.
- Make an appointment with one of us at the SAWITU office for mentorship and start-up guidance.
- Arrange consultation meetings with brand owners that have done this before that can assist.
ALSO READ: ICYMI: GOSA symposium looks to the future
Get Stories of Change: Inspirational stories from the people that feed Mzansi.
