Winemakers On Fire, Issue #82

Greetings from Cape Town, South Africa!

In this week's Winemakers on Fire, we sit down with Sandy Harper, a luminary in the South African wine industry whose journey from Cape Wine Master to respected judge and educator exemplifies the power of passion and perseverance. Through economic challenges, pandemic pivots, and the rigorous demands of wine mastery, Sandy has emerged as one of the industry's most inspiring voices.

Her story, from managing the prestigious Old Mutual Executive Wine Club to launching innovative virtual tastings during COVID-19, reveals not just her expertise in wine but her dedication to nurturing the next generation of wine professionals.

Join us as we uncork Sandy's remarkable tale.

"I take my role as wine judge very seriously," she says. "It is not about my personal preferences. It is all about finding the quality wines and allowing them to shine.”

Let’s dive in!

Over the last few weeks, we’ve been exploring some exciting ideas and concepts around the future of wine and the technology that’s driving innovation in the industry. I’m pleased to announce that we’ve now consolidated these ideas into a dedicated platform: the Terroir 2.0 website.

The Terroir 2.0 website is not just a place to learn about our approach but also a growing hub of resources, conversations, and insights about the fusion of wine and technology. I invite you to visit the site, explore its contents, and join us in this exciting journey.

Visit the Terroir 2.0 website to download our FREE Terroir 2.0 worksheet and uncork your full potential.

The Master’s Touch: Sandy Harper’s Journey from Cape Wine Master to Industry Luminary

The Path to Becoming a Cape Wine Master

Sandy Harper's journey in the wine industry has been remarkable, marked by a deep passion for viticulture and a relentless pursuit of excellence. As a Cape Wine Master, Sandy has not only honed her craft but has also made significant contributions to the industry through her work with the Old Mutual Executive Wine Club and her involvement in prestigious wine competitions.

Sandy's story began with her studies at Stellenbosch University, where she earned a Master's degree in Home Economics with majors in Food Science and Air Transport Economics. This diverse academic background laid the foundation for her transition into the wine world. In 2014, Sandy achieved the prestigious Cape Wine Master qualification, a self-study program that requires passing a series of theory exams, tasting exams, a presentation, and a dissertation.

"The Cape Wine Masters is a self-study program in which you have 5 years to complete the following tasks: 4 x theory exams, 4 x tasting exams, 1 x presentation, and 1 x dissertation," Sandy explains. "In order to do the Master’s program, you need to have completed the Cape Wine Academy Diploma Wine Course with a minimum of 60% in all four Diploma modules and the Diploma tasting exam."

Navigating the Challenges of the Cape Wine Master Programme

The journey to becoming a Cape Wine Master was not without its challenges. Sandy recalls the difficulties she faced, particularly in accessing the latest viticulture and vinification material while living in Johannesburg. "It was difficult to access the latest Viticulture and Vinification material," she explains. "I later managed to acquire superb material via Stellenbosch University Department of Oenology."

Another hurdle was the demanding examination process, which required a deep understanding of the theory and an exceptional ability to identify wines through blind tastings. "You also have to allow yourself to fail the exams in order to understand what you don't know and understand," Sandy notes. Access to international wines was also a challenge due to the high costs and the strength of the South African Rand. However, Sandy was fortunate to find a study buddy in fellow CWM student Conrad Louw, with whom she formed a tasting group to hone their skills.

"The tasting exams are really tough, as they can give you wine from anywhere in the world to identify. Guessing what the wine is will earn you one point out of 20. Deductive Reasoning as to how you draw the conclusion, and this is what you earn as points. Thus, being able to unpack the wine in a logical fashion brings together all the theory about the country of origin, region, stylistic approaches, etc. in order to answer the question correctly. This exam technique needs to be practiced, as it is very different from writing a tasting note," Sandy explains.

Exploring the Dynamics of Wine Clubs and Judging

Sandy's expertise in the wine industry extends beyond her CWM qualification. Her Cape Wine Master's thesis on wine clubs provided valuable insights into the unique dynamics of these communities. She discovered that wine purchases are not just about the product itself but also involve social risks and anxiety, which wine clubs can effectively address through educational opportunities and a sense of community.

"The social risks of wine buying stem from the anxiety that others might perceive their choices as 'incorrect', especially if the wine is purchased for a social event, gifting, or group gathering," Sandy explains. "This may lead to a low level of anxiety, which often leads to consumers choosing well-known brands or higher-priced wines to minimise the chance of embarrassment."

This understanding of the industry's nuances has not only benefitted the Old Mutual Executive Wine Club, which Sandy has managed since 2001, but has also informed her role as a respected wine judge. Sandy's participation in prestigious competitions, such as the IWSC and Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Competition, has allowed her to hone her skills in evaluating wines and recognising their quality, regardless of region, style, or price point.

"I take my role as wine judge very seriously," she says. "It is not about my personal preferences. It is all about finding the quality wines and allowing them to shine. During the judging process, I look 'through' the wine, to the intrinsics and the scaffolding of the wine. I look for clues in the wine regarding its sense of place and how it will evolve in years to come. All of this in a few short minutes. In a nutshell, I 'interview' each wine I judge. I approach each wine as if I were conducting an interview with a person, looking for all the good qualities that may be hidden and waiting for me to discover. This takes enormous concentration."

Adapting and Innovating during Challenging Times

The COVID-19 pandemic presented a unique challenge for the wine industry, and Sandy's ability to adapt and innovate shone through. With the South African government's ban on alcohol sales, Sandy launched SandyWine, a specialised wine marketing brand that pivoted to virtual wine tastings and an informative newsletter, "Sandy's Snippets," to keep the industry connected and engaged.

"It is important to understand that during COVID, the South African Government banned all sales of alcohol, and not even the wineries were allowed to continue with their activities. It was a very dark time for our wine industry, and those, like myself, looking in from the outside, were desperate to try and help in some way," Sandy explains.

By leveraging her marketing expertise and deep understanding of the wine industry, Sandy was able to not only support the Old Mutual Executive Wine Club but also contribute to the broader wine community. Her initiatives, such as the "Wine Club Hubs" and the donation-based virtual tastings, not only kept the industry alive but also demonstrated her commitment to its growth and resilience.

"Once restrictions were lifted somewhat, I developed a bespoke system to do virtual online tastings. I started a campaign called 'Wine Club Hubs' that allowed small groups of 6 people to gather and share the virtual tasting together. Once the movement of alcohol was permitted, I started sending tasting kits with enough wine and deli goodies for a full and proper wine tasting—albeit remotely. I always had an engaging guest speaker (winemaker) and we would conduct 'in conversation with Sandy Harper CWM' sundowner sessions for one hour," Sandy recounts.

Championing the South African Wine Industry

Throughout her career, Sandy has developed a deep appreciation for the diversity and quality of South African wines. While she admires the prestige and tradition of French wine regions like Champagne and Bordeaux, she is equally passionate about the unique character and evolution of South African wines.

"Prior to COVID, our Wine Club hosted an annual Champagne tasting as our Year End celebratory tasting. Over the years, we have featured most of the big houses and some of the lesser-known owner brands as well. I love Champagne and I love the quality wines from Bordeaux," Sandy shares.

However, Sandy emphasises the importance of understanding the nuances between regions and the unique attributes of South African wines. "Comparisons in wine should only be done to understand the similarities and to admire and comprehend the differences. Regionality and terroir are key in wine understanding, and even if a method is followed to an exact point, grapes grown in a northern hemisphere country under certain climatic conditions and soils, etc., will never be the same as grapes grown in the southern hemisphere," she explains.

Sandy's expertise in food science and wine pairing has allowed her to showcase the versatility of South African wines, highlighting how they can complement a wide range of cuisines. "The difference between Champagne and our Cap Classique is that you can taste the sunshine in our Cap Classiques," she says. "Many of our Cap Classiques are based on the three grape varieties that Champagne is produced from, but not all. The SA legislation states that only the method is a requirement (method cap Classique/Champagne method, i.e., secondary fermentation in the bottle) but not the grape varieties. Hence there are delightful variations in our Cap Classique wines based on Chenin Blanc or Sauvignon Blanc, amongst the many other varieties, which appeal to a broad audience."

A Legacy of Mentorship and Inspiration

As Sandy reflects on her remarkable journey, she is keen to inspire young women to explore careers in the wine industry. Drawing from her own experiences, she encourages aspiring professionals to believe in themselves, invest in their education, and embrace the challenges that come with this dynamic field.

"You were born to be the very best version of yourself. Walt Disney said, 'If you can dream it, you can do it,' and that is certainly true. Playing small serves no purpose," Sandy advises. "Believe in yourself. Invest in yourself. Learn as much as possible. Find mentors and learn from them and others—both good and bad—and make it your own. Don't be afraid of hard work. All diamonds need to be polished before they can shine."

Sandy's dedication to the industry, her innovative spirit, and her commitment to mentorship have solidified her place as a true luminary in the world of wine. Her story is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and relentless pursuit of excellence—qualities that have undoubtedly shaped her remarkable career and will continue to inspire those who follow in her footsteps.

Did you miss last week’s newsletter? Meet Daniela Jansen, the rising star behind Saronsberg Estate's exceptional wines. Named among the Drinks Business Master Winemakers 2024 Top 100, Daniela's journey began with a teenage epiphany during a family wine farm visit. Today, she's revolutionising winemaking in South Africa's Tulbagh Valley, combining meticulous attention to detail with innovative techniques. From night harvests to experimental blends, her passionate approach is redefining excellence. 

Join us as we explore how this dynamic winemaker transforms Saronsberg's terroir into liquid poetry, one vintage at a time.

"You can try and copy winemaking styles, but you will never be able to recreate a wine from another winery or country because the terroir is different. That's what makes winemaking so interesting."

Until next Tuesday, keep your glass full and your taste buds curious.