The Agricultural Research Council (ARC) has partnered with the South African Wine Industry Transformation Unit (SAWITU) to increase participation of black and emerging winemakers. South Africa is one of the world’s leading wine producing countries yet the number of the historically marginalised groups is disproportionately low.
Accelerating transformation in the wine industry
The ARC will use the collaboration to initiate and highlight the need for concerted efforts to expedite thetransformation paradigm with a view to re-positioning and ensuring the wine industry is as inclusive and diverse for the future generation. As a premier research institution the ARC has the requisite capacity and the know-how to help accelerate the transformation process of the industry through specific measures that include technology transfer, training, research, and capacity development.
Reflecting the nature of diversity
According to Ms Joyene Isaacs, chairperson of the ARC, the most significant thing about the collaborative initiative is the housing of the ‘The Wine Arc’ at the council’s Nietvoorbij Cellar Complex in Stellenbosch. Describing it as a one of a kind ‘brand home’ for black-owned wine enterprises, Ms Isaac said, the facility will have a ‘warm and welcoming ambience that reflects the nature of the diverse South Africa people. Wendy Petersen of SAWITU added that: “It will be a place where people are comfortable; feel at home and that they belong”.
Thinking out-of-the-box
Addressing the event Ms Isaacs said creative partnerships form the basis for effective and lasting collaboration, adding this is critical not only for the wine industry but for South Africa as well the ARC. “We have to work together and we need to think out-of-the-box for the benefit of our people”, said Ms Isaacs. Minister of agriculture, land reforms and rural development, Ms Thoko Didiza, graced the occasion.
Ms Isaacs also indicated that over the last few years, the ARC has invested resources and expertise in upgrading winemaking facilities, tasting room and sensory evaluation laboratory. Furthermore, the research council has also embarked on a number of projects to, among others:
- engage with aspiring young and previously disadvantaged winemakers
- have constructive dialogue pertaining to redressing the apartheid legacy in the industry, and
- afford black winemakers an opportunity to share their experiences and endeavours within the wine industry.
Benefiting broader society
In 2018 the ARC held its inaugural National Emerging Winemakers Symposium (NEWS) Indaba with a view to sharing knowledge and to learn from one another. It also aimed both to enable growth within the industry and to benefit the broader South African society. The symposium took place before the ARC’s Nietvoorbij Cellar Complex which houses The Wine Arc and was officially re-opened in 2019. According to the ARC, the Nietvoorbij wine brand tells a story of growth, transformation and the freedom to explore and soar in the wine industry.
Model for next generation innovation
ARC acting chief executive officer, Dr Hilton Vergotine, said the Nietvoorbij Cellar Complex aims to contribute towards the training and development of previously disadvantaged and emerging wine entrepreneurs. She said this can be achieved through experimental and commercial projects in place to be a model for next generation innovation, wine making and wine cellar technologies in South Africa.
