2012 Van Ryn's Award goes to Gauteng cabinetmaker

Caroline Sanders, Van Ryn’s brand manager; Derek Ramsden, winner of the 2012 Van Ryn’s Award for Brandy Excellence; and Andy Roediger of the Institute of Cape Wine Masters

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Ramsden, who was a partner, running a cabinet-making and shopfitting business with his father, Dennis, switched to wine as a career three years ago when the family concern was sold after 18 years. His new business, One Wine Cellar Consultant, based in Gauteng, operates in an exclusive niche market.

The Gauteng entrepreneur graduated from the CWM programme at a function held at Morgenster on 4 May 2012.

"Graduating from the programme has solidified my intention of making a name for myself within the wine industry, both locally and abroad," Ramsden says.

The CWM brandy module, added to the course in 2006, comprises a written and a tasting examination involving brandies from around the world. "To win the Award for Brandy Excellence one must have an exceptional conversancy with brandy, both as a taster and in theoretical knowledge. It requires not only dedicated study but also passion, and genuine interest," says Cape Wine Academy CEO Marilyn Cooper. "He is a perfect example of such a candidate and it came as no surprise that he achieved the highest score in the brandy section of the exam."