Three dedicated cellar workers from Nederburg Winery are about to swap their familiar breakfast cereals for aromatic baguettes and their beloved waterblommetjie bredie for the rich flavours of beef bourguignon as they embark on an exciting international skills-building program in Burgundy, France.
Hailing from Paarl in the Western Cape, Dillon Ambraal, Sean Sampson, and Nichole Fortuin are the proud representatives of Nederburg Winery for this prestigious annual initiative. With backgrounds deeply rooted in the winery, these three talented individuals are set to spread their wings and explore new horizons as they venture beyond South Africa’s borders for the very first time.
Dillon Ambraal, a true product of the Nederburg farm, has dedicated 12 years of his life to the winery. Sean Sampson, with seven years under his belt, has been a full-time member of the winery since 2021. Nichole Fortuin, who joined the cellar team in 2020, completes this trio of passionate learners.
Partnership bears fruit
Nederburg has achieved a remarkable distinction by having more than one cellar worker chosen for this international endeavour. In total, ten cellar workers from the Western Cape will participate in the programme, reflecting the commitment of the region to foster skills development among its underprivileged agricultural workers.
Come early September, the trio will embark on a transformative journey, spending five weeks each at different prestigious wineries in Burgundy.
The opportunity, a result of collaboration between the Western Cape department of agriculture and its counterpart in Bourgogne-France Comté, aims to promote cross-cultural exchange and enhance professional growth.
This partnership, born in 2002, has been an unwavering force except for the hiatus caused by the pandemic. Central to its success is the strong relationship between Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute and Burgundy’s Centre for Professional Training and Agricultural Promotion (CFPPA).
The heart of winemaking
Ambraal, Sampson and Fortuin will be honing their expertise in winemaking and viticulture, delving into the intricate world of cellar techniques, cutting-edge technology, wine chemistry, and the nuanced art of oak aging.
Of particular focus will be understanding the influence of oak on wine profiles and mastering the art of caring for oak barrels. Their journey will also include a significant stay at CFPPA in Beaune, situated at the heart of the Burgundy winemaking tradition.
Nederburg’s cellar master, Samuel Viljoen, expressed his pride and excitement for the trio. He noted, “This is a tremendous honour for Dillon, Sean, and Nichole, who will be immersed in the heart of the classical winemaking world – the meeting point for some of the greatest talents in winemaking anywhere. To have three of the ten candidates selected from Nederburg is also a great privilege for our winery. They will have so much to share with us on their return.”
Viljoen further emphasised the invaluable personal and professional growth that comes from such experiences, drawing from his own overseas journey. He stressed the immeasurable benefits of exposure to different cellars, protocols, techniques, and diverse cultures.
As the departure date draws near, the anticipation is palpable both within Nederburg and the local community. The trio’s journey promises to enrich their lives and contribute to the ongoing legacy of Nederburg Winery.
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