What started as a simple mission to open doors in South Africa’s wine industry is now a full-blown movement. We are wine – the latest mini-documentary from the South African Wine Industry Professional Body (SAWIPB) – dives into real stories of transformation.
What began as a simple initiative to improve the opportunities for wine industry professionals has become a powerful movement to rewrite the future of South Africa’s wine industry.
The South African Wine Industry Professional Body (SAWIPB) has released its second mini-documentary, spotlighting personal stories of transformation and the organisation’s mission to ensure every individual has a chance to grow professionally, personally, and sustainably within the wine sector.
The film called We are wine follows passionate professionals, some of whom once entered the field with no knowledge of wine, but now view a single grape as a symbol of happiness, heritage, and hope.
“At first, I thought all grapes made wine. Now, when I look at a wine grape, I see opportunity,” shares Sandile Mkhwanazi, one of the SAWIPB council members featured in the documentary.
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Breaking barriers in wine education
With rising education costs and systemic inequalities, SAWIPB is actively working to make skills development accessible to all.
According to Eden du Plessis, people and skills development officer at South Africa Wine, the documentary sheds light on powerful initiatives such as Knowledge Donation Days, which bring together wine professionals to share insights.
From vineyard techniques to cellar practices and career pathways. These sessions don’t just teach, but they connect, helping to create a strong, supportive network within the wine community across South Africa.
“There’s real strength in seeing your career grow while also growing as a person. SAWIPB is intentional about professional development, but also about personal transformation. Because when you feel seen and supported, you show up better – for yourself and for the industry,” du Plessis shares in the documentary.
“I now have the power to close the gaps in our industry – to help people grow, access bursaries, and access a future they never thought was possible.”
Investing in people
Kachné Ross, people and skills development manager at South Africa Wine and executive manager of SAWIPB, says the documentary also showcases how SAWIPB’s platform offers access to robust learning tools, deep research, and a learner management system to help wine producers track their teams’ growth.
For investors and stakeholders, this signals a trustworthy and values-driven space for impact investment, with a national code of conduct that supports accountability and long-term value.
“This is about relevance. Keeping our industry professionals up to date, keeping knowledge flowing, and building not just jobs, but careers that will shape the next generation,” Ross shares.
Watch the documentary to see how transformation is taking root across the wine industry. You can also become a member of SAWIPB and be part of a movement committed to professionalism, sustainability, and opportunity in South Africa’s wine sector.
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