Three highly experienced professional winemakers, each with up to 15 years of winemaking expertise, are seeking internship placements in South African wineries for the 2026 harvest season.
Currently, the winemakers are working at Odesos Winery (Odessa, Ukraine) and Kakheli’s Winery (Kakheti, Georgia) — both boutique producers focused on mid to upper price range wines, each crafting up to 100,000 liters of high-quality wines annually. These wineries specialize in precise, hands-on production and continuous refinement of winemaking techniques, which inspires this initiative for international professional exchange.
With extensive experience in white, rosé, red, and sparkling wine production, the winemakers are reliable, hardworking, and deeply passionate about advancing their craft. They are eager to expand their knowledge and share expertise through collaboration with respected South African winemakers.
Purpose of the Internship
The primary goal is mutual exchange of knowledge and experience, focusing on modern winemaking technologies and techniques within the mid to upper price range wine segment. This program aims to foster professional collaboration between established winemakers across different regions, promoting shared growth and innovation in the art of winemaking.
Collaboration Framework
The wineries represented by the applicants are committed to fully supporting this educational endeavor and will cover all travel, accommodation, and living expenses, as well as compensate the hosting winemakers for their time, guidance, and mentorship.
Two models of collaboration are proposed:
-
Mentorship-Based Exchange:
The winemakers will work closely alongside the resident winemaker during the 2026 harvest, engaging in daily discussions, technical exchanges, and shared practical experiences. All expenses will be covered, along with an educational fee paid to the hosting winery or winemaker.
-
Hands-On Learning Integration:
The winemakers will join the winery’s winemaking team during the 2026 harvest, actively participating in the winemaking process under close supervision. Learning will occur through direct involvement, observation, and communication with the winemaker. All associated costs (travel, housing, and meals) will be covered by their home wineries.
Key Focus Areas
- Advanced vinification techniques for white, rosé, red, and sparkling wines
- Process management and quality control for mid-to-premium wine categories
- Technology-driven approaches to modern winemaking
- Exchange of best practices, innovations, and cellar management strategies
Contact
Interested wineries or winemakers willing to host experienced professionals for the 2026 harvest and participate in this mutual learning opportunity are kindly invited to reach out for further details and scheduling arrangements.