Wine Judging Academy 2010
Wine Judging Academy 2010
The Wine Judging Academy, now in its fourth year, seeks to ensure that a steady stream of competent wine judges enters the industry.
The initiative was begun by leading wine critic Michael Fridjhon and WINE magazine to help raise the standard of local judging.
If advances in local wine quality are to be made, it is essential that there are more individuals across all sectors of the industry experienced in wine assessment and able to defend their viewpoint.
The 2010 Wine Judging Academy was held from 15 to 17 January at the Breakwater Campus of the University of Cape Town's Graduate School of Business. Although it attracted some 40 applicants, there were only 20 places available, these being allocated mainly according to merit but with the secondary consideration of ensuring a spread of students from different working backgrounds.
Six students excelled by getting a mark of 75% or higher and thereby earning a distinction. These were:Andrew Chigorimbo, wine enthusiast, degree in BComm Mathematical Sciences
Johann Fourie, senior winemaker, KWV
Bernard le Roux, winemaker, Vilafonté
Wade Metzer, winemaker, Metzer Wines
JD Pretorius, winemaker, Steenberg
Meryl Weaver, Cape Wine Master, Platter's taster
Applications for the 2011 course will be invited from October.
