Dombeya Scholarship Announcement For immediate release Dombeya Wines, Stellenbosch, South Africa

INNOVATIVE NEW SCHOLARSHIP TO UNEARTH FUTURE LEADERS IN THE SOUTH AFRICAN WINE INDUSTRY

Dombeya Wines are created in the heart of Stellenbosch, the spiritual home of South African wine. The Dombeya tree is native to South Africa and boasts extraordinarily beautiful flowers that bring South Africa’s spring season to life – its cycle of regeneration and renewal a fitting symbol of modern day South Africa.

Dombeya Wines is part of a country that is evolving and changing, each year growing into its new, dynamic and modern identity. It is in this spirit that we are proud to announce the establishment of The Dombeya Scholarship. This initiative will award an outstanding graduate winemaker from a previously disadvantaged background a career and study opportunity abroad. Students completing their final year or engaged in post graduate studies at the University of Stellenbosch in the 2008 academic term are eligible to apply.

“The Dombeya Scholarship aims to create and cultivate opportunities for outstanding winemaking graduates from previously disadvantaged backgrounds to enhance their practical and technical skills. Developing these skills will aid in furthering their careers, whilst at the same time diversifying and adding value to the South African wine industry,” says Rianie Strydom, Winemaker and General Manager for Dombeya Wines.

Applicants will be assessed on academic achievement, technical knowledge and communication skills. A final interview before a selection panel, including Gauteng Premier Mbazima Shilowa, will determine the winning candidate.

Mbazima Shilowa said, “This is an important internship initiative which will provide an opportunity for young South African's to get into the wine industry."

The successful applicant of the Dombeya Scholarship will be announced in November 2008. The value of the scholarship, including airfares and wages during this period is approximately R70 000.

The scholarship begins in February 2009. The successful candidate shall undertake a two week preparation at Dombeya Wines after which he/she will fly to Australia for a six week period of employment at Voyager Estate in Margaret River, Western Australia.

Voyager Estate has a strong South African link, being built around a Cape Dutch model after owner Michael Wright became inspired by a visit to Stellenbosch in the 1980s. The estate and gardens were designed by a South African architect and landscaper with paving and cobblestones imported from South Africa for the construction of the winery. Furniture and hand painted crockery in the restaurant and the cellar door were all designed and made in South Africa, lending Voyager Estate a unique and singular identity.

Following the Voyager Estate experience, the candidate will travel to Adelaide, South Australia, to do a week of research in the Oenology Department of Adelaide University, one of the worlds leading wine industry related institutions.


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The candidate will then have the opportunity to spend a week in the Barossa Valley working at Kaesler Wines under leading winemakers Reid Bosward and Stephen Dew. Reid Bosward also has a South African link, as he made wine at the Helderberg Co-Op for two seasons in the 1990s.

After returning to South Africa, an offer of a two month placement for May and June at Dombeya Wines is available whilst the candidate looks for permanent employment in the local industry.

“This scholarship has been over a year in the making and we're delighted that so many inspirational people in the Australian wine industry have bought into the initiative,” said Strydom. “I would also like to recognise the support of the Premier of Gauteng, Mbazima Shilowa, who has made a valuable commitment in agreeing to be the patron of the scholarship.”

“It is our hope that The Dombeya Scholarship will play a key role in unearthing the future of wine industry leaders from previously disadvantaged backgrounds,” said Grant Dodd, partner at Dombeya Wines. “The opportunity to work and study under some of Australia's most innovative winemakers and academics can only produce positive outcomes. The lessons learned in the process will provide an invaluable grounding for a career in the wine industry and will hopefully inspire others to follow.”