Bernard Louw joined the Alvi’s Drift family in 2010, starting his career in our vineyards. He quickly advanced and is now a trainee winemaker and manager in our wine cellar, where his talent, dedication, and work ethic continue to inspire everyone around him.
Recently, Bernard applied for the prestigious Western Cape and Bourgogne Franche-Comté Exchange Programme, an initiative that provides previously disadvantaged individuals in the wine industry with the chance to gain invaluable experience in Burgundy, France.
After submitting his CV and successfully passing an interview, Bernard was selected for this incredible opportunity. He will first complete a virtual theoretical programme, running from October 2024 to June 2025, before embarking on an overseas visit to Burgundy in 2025.
This achievement marks an exciting milestone in Bernard’s winemaking career, and we couldn’t be more proud of him.
Read on to learn more about Bernard, his work philosophy and his career journey at Alvi’s Drift over the past fourteen years.
How did you start working at Alvi’s Drift, and what was your first role on the farm?
I started at Alvi’s Drift in 2010, the year after I finished school. I first worked in the vineyards, where Alvi came to know me. That same year, I was transferred to work in the farm’s wine cellar. I really enjoy my work here at Alvi’s Drift. I am learning so much, and I’ve met many people and made lots of friends in the wine industry.
What do you enjoy most about your role as a trainee winemaker?
I like every aspect of my work, but as a trainee winemaker, I especially enjoy tasting wines – particularly with Alvi, Junel, Riaan, Wim, and the rest of the team. They have so much experience, and I love learning as much as I can from them. In the cellar, I mostly focus on the production of our white wines.
What winemaking courses have you completed since joining Alvi’s Drift?
I’ve completed several courses since I started working at Alvi’s Drift. On the Winetech course, I learnt a lot about tasting wines, and I also learnt about wines from other countries. Cellar hygiene, cellar operations, and identifying faults in wine are all areas I’ve been trained in. This knowledge has helped me grow immensely and has enabled me to spot potential problems early on in the process. I’ve earned several Winetech diplomas by now. In fact, most of my qualifications are Winetech diplomas.
What awards have you won for your work?
I’ve won several awards, including a few Agricultural Awards – the three biggest being Best Technical Operator, Best Junior Manager, and, in 2023, Best Middle Manager. Last year, I was also the regional winner.
How has Alvi’s Drift supported your professional growth?
They’ve supported me immensely with training opportunities and so much more. Over time, I’ve come to realise that if your employer is sending you on courses and investing in your training, it shows that they support you and believe in your potential. That really means a lot to me.
In what ways have Alvi and the team helped you develop your leadership skills?
Alvi and the team support me greatly in so many ways, encouraging me and helping me to improve where necessary. They also assist and guide me in leading my team. I completed a course last year, focused on managing people. It taught me how to get the best out of my team and how to communicate effectively with them.
Are there any personal goals which you achieved that you are especially proud of?
One of my biggest personal goals was to get my driver’s licence. I started learning to drive here on the farm. Today, I have my Code 14 driver’s licence – this is a big achievement for me.
Did you expect to advance so quickly in your career as a winemaker?
To be honest, I didn’t initially think I would progress this quickly. After school, I came to work here at Alvi’s Drift, expecting it to be a gap year. As a young boy coming from the vineyards to the cellar, everything felt a bit unfamiliar. But I learnt so much from the more experienced people here. And as I attended various courses, my interest in winemaking kept growing. I think that’s where my love of winemaking really took off. I didn’t think I would get this far, this fast in my career, but thanks to Alvi taking me under his wing, and Junel and the team helping me so much, I’ve been able to advance quickly.
What are the values you feel Alvi and his team instilled in you?
Alvi and his team taught me to believe in myself and in what I could achieve. They taught me the importance of always giving my best, of trusting in myself, and knowing that I can reach the top. They encourage me to pursue my dreams. Alvi always asks how I’m doing, and, if I’m facing any challenges, he’ll encourage me and support me.
How has your understanding of winemaking evolved since you started working at Alvi’s Drift?
I’ve developed a deep appreciation for winemaking since I started here. Now, I understand the importance of the soils, the rootstocks, the vineyards, and their terroir. From what I’ve learnt here, I can now see the much bigger picture.
How does the winemaking knowledge you gain in courses compare to your experience in the Alvi’s Drift cellar?
In these courses, you learn from books and screens. But applying what you’ve learnt in a wine cellar is a different story. What the books teach you may not even be close to the specific practices of the cellar you work in. Every cellar has its own way of doing things. In that regard, Alvi has helped me so much. He taught me the differences between working with white and red wine, and how to check pipes for leaks to prevent oxidation, especially with Sauvignon Blanc.
What are your future goals for your career as a winemaker?
I’d love to continue my training overseas as well, and see how winemakers do this work in other countries and regions. I want to learn as much as possible and meet other winemakers from around the world. Then, I want to return to Alvi’s Drift and apply what I’ve learnt here on the farm. I see myself as a winemaker one day – not as an assistant winemaker, but as a winemaker at Alvi’s Drift. I want to make a contribution here; I want the world to know our winery’s name and the wines we make.
What are your thoughts on sustainability, and conserving the natural environment on the farm?
It’s essential to conserve nature, including the plant- and wildlife here on our farm. We must protect what we have for future generations. We can’t just be short-sighted and focus on our own interests. We have to think of the earth and all the life it supports, the plants and the animals. One day, when we’re no longer here, there must be something left for those who come after us.
How has working at Alvi’s Drift influenced your life and career?
When I look back at my life before Alvi’s Drift and compare it to where I am now, I’d say I’ve had a lot of success. I feel I’ve made the most of the opportunities offered to me, and I hope to continue on this path. I am eager to travel, meet more people, learn more about the industry, and explore other cultures. Countries like France and America – I’d love to learn more about their winemaking traditions, and how the industry operates in these countries.
How do you hope to inspire others here at Alvi’s Drift?
I want to keep growing in my work and as a person. I want to set a good example for my two children and for my team here in the cellar. I want to inspire them and show that, even if you come from a disadvantaged background, it’s possible to make a start somewhere, to grow in your career, and also grow as a person. I want to be an example of how it’s possible to achieve something from nothing. No matter how tough the circumstances, you can rise above them. If you have the right attitude, it’s possible to reach the top and make a success of yourself and your life as a whole.
How We Dare To Do Right At Alvi’s Drift
At Alvi’s Drift, we’re deeply committed to supporting our employees and their families. Our workforce is the lifeblood of our enterprise, and their well-being is our biggest priority. Learn more about how we look after our planet, our people, and business here.
