Jamie Williams exemplifies the diverse career opportunities available in the agriculture sector. As the new leader of Nederburg’s white wine team, she uses wine as her instrument of choice to connect people, ignite the senses, and celebrate life.
“That’s how I try to live and enjoy my life,” she says. “But with balance and with many layers. I’m a wife, a mom, a winemaker, a friend, a daughter, a granddaughter, a colleague.”
That is also how Williams likes her wine to be: “Many-sided to keep things interesting, but always backed by good values and a firm backbone.”
“I think that accurately describes me,” she says, laughing, “I was always the wild one on campus during my varsity days. Sporting pink boots and whatever. Call me expressive!”
Williams’s journey in the agriculture sector began with a BSc that initially focused on molecular biology and biotechnology, and later, wine biotechnology. Her graduation was promptly followed by an opportunity to work in California in 2016.
Returning to South Africa, she interned as a laboratory analyst at Die Bergkelder. A year later, she moved closer to production as a harvest cellar intern, and then joined the Nederburg family in 2018.
Growing up in the Mother City, Williams faced significant challenges.
“I grew up in a disadvantaged Cape Flats community where drug and alcohol abuse was rife, even so today. I really had no interest in becoming a winemaker as I so often witnessed the negative impact of alcohol abuse on those in my community,” she recalls.
Despite this, her love for science, nature, art, and creativity never wavered. “I always loved science, nature, art and creativity, but at the same time I didn’t really understand which career would offer me a good mix of these elements.”
Her family had a history of working on farms, either as seasonal workers or in wine tasting rooms. After matriculating in 2010, she remained uncertain about her career path but knew it had to be science-focused.
“So, I enrolled and obtained my BSc degree in molecular biology and biotechnology from Stellenbosch University,” she says. It was during her studies that wine and winemaking began to appeal to her. However, changing her course to study winemaking was not feasible due to financial constraints.
“My parents didn’t have the funds,” she explains.
Undeterred, Williams worked hard, participating in as many harvests as she could after her studies. “The wine bug bit me and it’s not letting go anytime soon!”
Charting new horizons in wine and community
After six years as assistant winemaker at Nederburg, she embraces her new role with excitement and gratitude, reporting directly to cellar master Samuel Viljoen. “It’s affirming to lead a team, to help build a wine legacy on the shoulders of giants.”
A recent thrill for her was seeing The Winemasters Noble Late Harvest win the Investec Trophy for Best Dessert Wine at the 2024 Trophy Wine Show with a score of 98.
Her career in winemaking highlights the intersection of science and agriculture, showing how innovative approaches can enhance traditional practices. Her work is a testament to the rewarding and varied career paths within the agricultural sector.
Today, she has a family of her own. Her upbringing instilled in her a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for community, values that she carries into her professional life.
“Being a mom is very important to me, but so is my journey as a young woman in this world,” she says.
“I get really excited about sharing wine with a new generation of current and potential wine lovers and my peers. This new job creates an even bigger opportunity to do just that.”
Williams’s passion for wine extends beyond her professional life.
“I’m so lucky to have an excellent support system, so I make a point of getting the crowd together for a weekend break-away to the city. We love the platteland (where we live) and an occasional trip to the beautiful West Coast, but a regular dose of city life is also good.”
She enjoys a variety of music, from popular Mzansi artists like Tyla and Jimmy Nevis to hip hop and Amapiano.
Williams is also actively involved in community outreach and mentoring young aspiring winemakers, particularly those from underrepresented communities. She believes in giving back and helping others navigate the challenges she once faced.
Her involvement in local initiatives and educational programs underscores her commitment to making the wine industry more inclusive and diverse.
“Now, get this. You can catch me and members of our entire team, together with our top tunes, at our just-launched roadshow. We’re taking our popular sensorial Dinner of Discovery Series to some of our favourite cities and towns in Mzansi! Go to our blog to find out where we’ll be next.”
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