“Working with wine is a blessing,” says Ziyanda Tutu.
The qualified winemaker and granddaughter of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, believes that wine is a “miraculous elixir”.
“I love the story of Jesus turning water into wine. It is said to be His first miracle. I keep on imagining how that wine must have tasted.”
Despite her childhood dream to be a professional dancer, Tutu decided on a different path after finishing school.
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Inspired by her mother’s extensive experience in the food and beverage industry, she enrolled at the Stellenbosch University and obtained a BSc in viticulture and oenology in 2007.
“Studying wine seemed a natural progression for me,” she said.
Tutu was granted a bursary by the Department of Agriculture, but feels it still has a limited understanding of other opportunities available in the wine industry.
Since finishing her studies, Tutu has worked in wine sales and the hospitality industry. She is also a qualified wine judge, having achieved the honour in 2010 at the Michael Fridjhon and Wine Magazine Judging Academy.
Part of her post-graduate experience included a stint at Reyneke Wines, a Cape winery renowned for its production of organic wines.
Tutu, who works as a consultant, curating wines for “high-end” clients, hopes to release a her own signature wine soon.