Patrick Grubb bursary beneficiaries return from France

Andrew Williams - Steenberg

The three protégés, chosen for their cellar experience, level of knowledge and an understanding of the industry, were able to travel back in time by almost a thousand years, as they were given the opportunity to work on ancient French estates, dating back to the 12th century, including two in Margaux, Château d'Angludet and Château Durfort-Vivens.

"The French have a magnificent style of winemaking and prepare the most delicious food," says Fischer and Pieterse adds, "I felt right at home and was treated to some amazing 1980s wines from the cellar and many special dinners in town. Contrary to what I was told about the French, I found the people very friendly."

According to the three, there are some differences between their experiences of winemaking at the Cape compared to Bordeaux. "They use oxygen rather than water to clean the tanks, the early morning mist serves as irrigation and their pumps and presses are all computer-programmed. Their tank and barrel volumes are larger than ours as well," says Williams.

"I am so inspired by what I learnt that my goal is to one day make my own barrels of Cabernet Sauvignon from Stellenbosch, under my own label," says Pieterse.

New bursary scheme to start for 2011

The 35th Nederburg Auction marked the final allocation of the Patrick Grubb Bursary. Grubb, who was the auctioneer at this event for 31 consecutive years, a feat recognised in the Guinness Book of Records, announced his retirement at the end of the 2005 Auction.

Carina Gous, Distell's business director of wines, says, "This initiative, which ran for 11 years in association with the Nederburg Auction, has enabled close to 20 individuals from previously disadvantaged communities, working in the wine industry, to gain international experience in the vineyards of some of the world's finest wine regions. His contribution has been invaluable in uplifting the careers of young aspiring wine professionals - we look forward to continuing the project with the launch of the Auctioneer's Initiative, in association with the auctioneer for this year's event, Anthony Barne from Bonhams in London."

Further information on the Auctioneer's Initiative, including details of how to apply, will be announced shortly.