Wiehan Venter
Cape Town
Summary
Driven and detail-oriented wine production professional with a strong foundation in viticulture and oenology, honed at Simonsig Wine Estate. Demonstrates exceptional sensory evaluation and yeast management skills alongside a disciplined work ethic and effective communication. Achieved significant quality improvements in wine blending and fermentation processes, showcasing flexibility and a passion for winemaking.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Wine Maker
Simonsig Wine Estate
01.2025 - Current
- Press loading and operation
- Cap management
- Barrel work
- Racking and blending
- Maturity sample processing
- Juice and wine analysis
- Fruit receival and processing
- Fermentation tracking
- Data entry into cellar tracking software
- Supported the smooth operation of tasting rooms by providing technical information on wines to sales staff and customers when necessary.
- Safeguarded wine quality by managing barrel inventory, including cleaning, sanitizing, filling, stacking, topping off, and sampling finished products.
- Streamlined bottling processes by designing and executing efficient production schedules.
- Ensured consistent wine profiles by conducting meticulous blending trials and adjustments.
Internship Student
Saronsberg Wine Cellar
01.2024 - 12.2024
- Press loading and operation
- Cap management
- Barrel work
- Racking and blending
- General winery sanitation
- Maturity sample processing
- Juice and wine analysis
- Fruit receival and processing
- Fermentation tracking
- Data entry into cellar tracking software
- Participate in staff tastings
- Developed professional skills through hands-on experiences, including time management and effective communication.
- Improved internship experience by efficiently managing assigned tasks and meeting deadlines.
- Sorted, organized, and maintained files.
- Received positive feedback from supervisors, reflecting a strong commitment to personal growth and development throughout the internship program.
Harvest Assistant
Alto Wine Estate
01.2023 - 05.2023
- Press loading and operation
- Cap management
- Barrel work
- Racking and blending
- General winery sanitation
- Maturity sample processing
- Juice and wine analysis
- Fruit receival and processing
- Fermentation tracking
- Data entry into cellar tracking software
- Participate in staff tastings
Harvest Assistant
Slanghoek Cellar
01.2021 - 05.2021
- Analysis of vineyard grape samples juice and wine
- Press loading and operation
- Cap management
- Barrel work
- Racking and blending
- General winery sanitation
- Maturity sample processing
- Juice and wine analysis
- Fruit receival and processing
- Fermentation tracking
- Data entry into cellar tracking software
- Participate in staff tastings
Education
Cellar Technology
Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute
Cape Town, South Africa12-2024
Skills
- Has a passion for wine/wine production
- Ability to carry out a wide range of tasks related to viticulture and oenology
- Yeast management
- Sanitation procedures
- Sensory evaluation
- Chemical handling
- Flexible and willing to work varying shifts, overtime and weekends
- Detailed oriented, self-motivated and comfortable working alone
- Possess a positive attitude, disciplined work ethic and good communication skills
- Computer literate and familiar with Microsoft Office programs, such as Word and Excel
Timeline
Assistant Wine Maker
Simonsig Wine Estate
01.2025 - Current
Internship Student
Saronsberg Wine Cellar
01.2024 - 12.2024
Harvest Assistant
Alto Wine Estate
01.2023 - 05.2023
Harvest Assistant
Slanghoek Cellar
01.2021 - 05.2021
Cellar Technology
Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute
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