2010 News

07/05/10 - FOUR NEW CAPE WINE MASTERS GRADUATE

This year's graduation function was hosted by the Van Ryn's Brandy Cellar in Stellenbosch on Friday, May 7.

Four new graduates were awarded Diplomas as Cape Wine Masters on Friday May 7, 2010 marking the 26th anniversary since the first South African CWMs qualified. This brings the number of successful candidates to 75, and the Institute membership to 68 (including three honorary members). They are Kristina Beuthner, Mike Lee, Sarah Newton and Lyn Woodward. This year dissertations covered topics ranging from wine packaging, the future of Riesling and potential of Rhone-style red wines to the growth of sparkling wine in South Africa. The theses are available for perusal on the Cape Wine Academy website and at the SAWIS library.

Kristina Beuthner

Kristina is a multilingual, part-time wine consultant and importer/exporter, who worked in France, Germany and Columbia after attaining her double diploma in Business Administration. On completion of the two-year CWA Wine Diploma, she started her CWM studies in 2006.
Dissertation: The future of Riesling in SA and what we can learn from the recent improvements in Germany (example: the Rheingau).

From left to right: Marylin Cooper (CWM and CWA Principal), Kristina Beuthner and Bennie Howard (CWMI Chairman).

Mike Lee

Mike is an engineer in the manufacturing and logistics sphere and a qualified photographer, who enjoys travel, food and golf. His passion for wine - especially the Mediterranean red wines of Spain, Italy and France, in particular those of Burgundy - started when he was a university student in 1982. Lee started certificate courses at the Cape Wine Academy, completing the CWA diploma in 2003 followed by the Cape Wine Masters programme in 2010. He is a member of the Wild Yeasts tasting group in Johannesburg.
Dissertation: Rhone-style red wines in South Africa.

From left to right: Bennie Howard (CWMI Chairman), Mike Lee and Marylin Cooper (CWM and CWA Principal).

Sarah Newton

Sarah is an analytical chemist, has engaged in brief stints advising customers on wine in restaurants and retail stores. She started the CWA Preliminary course in 1998, obtaining the CWA Diploma II in 2001 and is a member of the Cellar Rats Wine Tasting Club, the Bubbly Club and the Wild Yeasts.
Dissertation: Sparkling wine: The growth of this category of wine in South Africa.

From left to right: Bennie Howard (CWMI Chairman), Sarah Newton and Marylin Cooper (CWM and CWA Principal).

Lyn Woodward

Lyn is a freelance wine writer, food stylist and educator with a degree in businesss management. She completed several wine courses including a Cape Wine Academy introductory wine course as part of her Diploma at the Christina Martin Chef's School in Durban. During seven years of working experience at the Cape Wine Academy Woodward also led a wine and food tour of France and trips around the Cape winelands. She is a member of the Wild Yeasts tasting club.
Dissertation: Wine packaging: alternatives to traditional glass.

From left to right: Bennie Howard (CWMI Chairman), Lyn Woodward and Marylin Cooper (CWM and CWA Principal).

Group photos

From left to right: Kristina Beuthner, Mike Lee, Lyn Woodward and Sarah Newton.

From left to right: Marylin Cooper (CWM and CWA Principal), Kristina Beuthner, Mike Lee, Lyn Woodward, Sarah Newton and Bennie Howard (CWMI Chairman).