August 22, 2007, 18:45
South Africa's wines have grown in popularity around the world in recent years, and with the country hosting the World Cup in 2010 it is hoped there will be plenty of thirsty visitors wanting to taste the local produce.
Despite being famed for wines from regions such as Stellenbosch, Paarl and Constantia, some in the industry have voiced concerns about a shortage of wine experts in South Africa to advise wine drinkers about the varieties on offer.
In this vein, Green and Blue, a London-based wine merchant, has launched a project to help tackle that shortage. The company's founder and director, Kate Thal - a South African native - has launched a first year-long scholarship for a South African to train in the art of wine tasting and wine service in London.
Wine tasters trained for 2010
The company plans to extend the scheme next year and hopes to create a new generation of wine experts in time for the 2010 World Cup. The scholarship will include trips to wine fairs, vineyards across Europe and six months working in one of London's top restaurants.
Green and Blue manager, Michelle van Besouw, says it is all about developing people's interest in wines. "I think when people start learning more about wines and how they're made, their interest grows a lot more. So when we do have wine makers in our shop from South Africa, there's more of an interest and a better approach than just seeing a South African wine".
Thal recently returned from South Africa where she selected the first candidate from scores of applicants. One of the applicants, Thandisiwe Meyi - from the Eastern Cape - will come to the UK to work alongside Thal for the first six months of the scholarship. Meyi will be learning everything there is to know about tasting and buying wine and is due to arrive in London in January 2008.
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