Issued by: GC Communications on behalf of: Simonsig Estate
Powered by a deep rooted
passion for wine, Denzel Swarts, Simonsig’s new Tasting Room Manager proudly
represents the third generation of his family to work for the Malans on this
landmark Stellenbosch wine estate.
Following in the
footsteps of his late father, John Plaatjies, Denzel was always on the lookout
for opportunities to earn extra pocket money. As a result he got to know the
business from the bottom up, starting out as a young boy amongst the vines
picking up papers, assisting in pest control and clearing blocked waterways.
Later he started helping out at the Simonsig tasting room during weekends,
assisting with general duties such as cleaning the spittoons and tables and
buffing the wine glasses. After matriculating Denzel was employed by Simonsig
as a Junior Wine Advisor after which he was promoted to a Logistics Assistant.
“Working in the tasting
room really got me excited about a career in the wine industry and like my
father I wanted to manage a team, but I also wanted to focus on my passion for
community upliftment,” says Denzel who decided to change his direction in 2006
to a career in the non-profit sector. This move saw him working at non-profit
organisations such as Edmund Rice Camps and Youth Unlimited, both international
social upliftment programmes which gave him the opportunity to travel to
countries such as Australia, Spain and Germany.
In 2011 Denzel was
welcomed back to the tasting room at Simonsig as a wine advisor.
“Upon my return,
Simonsig really invested a lot in me and my career, assisting me financially
and enabling me to complete my certificates in Wine and Wines of the World
through the Cape Wine Academy. My next goal is complete my studies towards
becoming a Cape Sommelier and to complete my course in management,” adds
Denzel.
Having reached his dream
of being in a managerial position Denzel’s mission for the next 10 years is to
play his part in strengthening Simonsig’s footprint in the wine industry. On a
more personal level he would like to continue his contribution towards the
transformation of the wine industry.
“I really enjoy
travelling and working with people, perhaps someday when I am much older I
might even become a lecturer in wine education,” concludes Denzel.
For more information or
wine orders contact Simonsig Estate at Tel: (+27)21
888 4915 or
visit www.simonsig.co.za.
