South Africa, renowned as one of the world’s top 10 wine producers, boasts a thriving wine sector contributing approximately 9 percent to its GDP. Despite its economic significance, the wine industry has long been characterized by a lack of diversity, with dominance by the white minority. In an effort to address this disparity, a pioneering training academy has emerged, focusing on empowering young South Africans from disadvantaged backgrounds with the skills and knowledge needed to transform the landscape.
Meet Okuhle, a 23-year-old participant in the wine practitioner program at the Pinotage Youth Development Academy (PYDA). As he delicately sniffs the glass before him, he candidly admits that identifying the nuanced aromas of fine wine can be a daunting task. He humorously conveys, “I must say, it is hard to try and smell what you’ve never eaten. When you talk about gooseberry, I’m like, ‘what is gooseberry?'” However, Okuhle acknowledges the importance of broadening his culinary horizons, saying, “It is something that is not easy given that we’re from, like, derogative backgrounds. But what they told us at the academy is that we should try more food we do not know.”
Okuhle is just one of approximately 50 students enrolled in the wine practitioner program at PYDA. Nestled in the picturesque winelands of the Western Cape, this intensive course caters to 18 to 25-year-olds who hail from historically disadvantaged backgrounds and may not have had the opportunity to pursue higher education beyond high school.
Over the course of an academic year, these aspiring winemakers receive comprehensive training in all facets of the wine industry, from grape cultivation to the art of wine tasting and marketing. They also delve into the intricacies of food pairing and tour guiding, equipping them with a versatile skill set that can open doors to various roles within South Africa’s expansive wine sector.
The overarching objective of the academy is to empower these young individuals with the knowledge and expertise needed to thrive in an industry where, even nearly three decades after the end of Apartheid, black ownership and representation among producers remain scarce. The Pinotage Youth Development Academy represents a significant step toward diversifying South Africa’s wine industry, fostering inclusivity, and offering opportunities to those who have historically been underrepresented in this realm.
