Background

I initially entered the wine-industry through sheer stubbornness, a fascination with plants, and a love of the Constantia wine country. Romantic- for sure, realistic- probably not; but the interweaving of science and art necessary for the birth of a bottle of wine kept me engaged. My BScAgric in Viticulture and Oenology at the Stellenbosch University turned into a PhDAgric in Viticulture and I became a lecturer and researcher of terroir in beautiful Stellenbosch, South Africa. It was a privilege to be part of the Wine and Spirits Board demarcation committee, many international conferences, and French collaborations. I explored and experienced the rich heritage of established, and the excitement of new and little-known, wine growing regions in South Africa and around the world. But we never know what curve balls life will throw at us and after a move to the vineyard-rich Canadian Okanagan Valley and eventual health-necessitated hiatus from the wine industry, the WSET level 3 gave me a kick in the pants to return to my first love and reminded me how much there is still to learn about this fascinating subject. I want to engage you, excite you, and take you on virtual or sensorial journeys that will reveal the remarkable alchemy between man, nature, science, heritage, and art that results in the wine in your glass.