To create Stellenbosch wine and terroir experts, the Stellenbosch Wine Routes Sommelier Bootcamp will be launched this month (September). This as the wine region looks to remain competitive by producing quality wines and telling engaging stories about themselves. The wine route is embarking on an educational programme to give sommeliers a common language to describe Stellenbosch’s terroir, so that they can communicate the district’s unique wine story and inspire conversations.
Aimed at sommeliers, hospitality professionals and wine media across the country, the bootcamp will be a five-day intensive course featuring both online and practical immersion in Stellenbosch. It will cover aspects such as viticulture, tutored technical tastings, and site visits with producers and experts. The delegates will have to complete a practical assessment to be awarded their Stellenbosch ambassador’s pin.
“A sommelier has the role of being a guide and gives consumers insights into the South African wine industry,” explained Spencer Fondaumiere, chairperson of the South African Sommeliers Association (SASA). “It’s our job to tell people the story and create a value proposition for someone for something [like Stellenbosch wine]. Marketing terroir will increase price points and value.”
The Stellenbosch Wine Routes Sommelier Bootcamp will be based on the educational Stellenbosch terroir toolkit released earlier this year, addressing the need for knowledge on regional typicity. It is aimed to equip sommeliers, buyers and retailers with easily accessible facts to create memorable experiences of Stellenbosch and its wines, covering topics such as the history of Stellenbosch, terroir on a microclimate level and its influence on specific expressions of Stellenbosch grown varietals.
The bootcamp aims to create a single, relatable story on the region’s typicity. “Stellenbosch is a recognised quality brand in key markets, but it is much more exciting to learn about the region in an immersive experience,” said Elmarie Rabe of Stellenbosch Wine Routes.
“That way delegates can experience the beauty and generosity of Stellenbosch while gaining a deeper understanding of its people, terroir and our wine culture. We are proud to represent our vibrant and innovative region by creating these opportunities to increase awareness of the region, its producers, and to open up new markets.”
The Bootcamp Cohort 1 will gather online on Saturday 10 September and in Stellenbosch from Wednesday 14 to 17 September. The application for the first round of training is tomorrow (Friday 2 September).
The Bootcamp Cohort 2 will gather online on Saturday 19 November, followed by sessions in Stellenbosch from Wednesday 23 to Saturday 26 November. The application for this training round is Monday 7 November.
