Our Team
I try to create wines that suit our climate and our way of life – wines to drink with the food we grow, make and eat.
– Spectra
Spectra winery was realised to focus on our passion for the region and its ability to produce dry – grown and environmentally sustainable wine. Recently a new home was established on our holistic philosophy to winemaking which starts with climate, empahasises the importance on the vineyard, as well as wine’s relation to the food we love to grow, cook, and eat.
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+Heidi Duminy, Principal | Cape Wine Master
Heidi is a Cape Wine Master and has been lecturing for the Cape Wine Academy for almost twenty years. She has been Principal of the Cape Wine Academy since July 2020. Heidi has extensive marketing and communications experience in the wine industry, most recently as Group Marketing Manager for the Meridian Holdings companies. She is a regular chair, panellist and judge for several wine competitions including Trophy Wine Show, Amorim Cap Classique Challenge, Michelangelo Wine and Spirits Awards, Veritas and others. Those who know Heidi know her for her particular passion and expertise in Cap Classique and Champagne. Where there are bubbles, you will find her sparkling!
Heidi Duminy can be contacted at heidi@capewineacademy.co.za.
Carl Cyster, Cape Regional Assistant
Everyone knows Carl! He has been with Cape Wine Academy for over 20 years. He makes sure that everything runs smoothly at our brand home in Stellenbosch. Carl is very familiar with the courses after hosting hundreds of classes and he has completed the South African Wine Course, Certificate Course and Wines of the World. His dream is to become a tour guide and visit all the wine farms he hasn’t been to. Carl believes that excellence is key and thus he always gives a 100%. His favourite wine is a Chenin Blanc.
Carl Cyster can be contacted at carl@capewineacademy.co.za.
Sanchia Vermeulen, Course Coordinator
Sanchia has worked for various wine distributors, wine farms and liquor industry retail for 15 years, She has extensive sales and management experience. She joined CWA as a consultant looking after the South African Wine Course in 2021, although her journey started much earlier than that growing up with a Cape Wine Master as her mother who has lectured for the CWA for over 20 years. Her passion for the education of wine and spirits inspired her to complete the South African Wine Course, Certificate Wine Course and Cap Classique Academy First Star Course. She is currently enrolled on the Diploma Wine Course. Sanchia enjoys reading, painting, travelling, and cooking in her spare time – mostly with a fabulous glass of her favourite Cap Classique, Viognier or wooded Chardonnay.
Sanchia Vermeulen can be contacted at sanchia@capewineacademy.co.za.
Phuti Thole, Gauteng Regional Assistant
Phuti joined CWA in April 2022 after working for Meridian Wine Distribution. She has experience in Finance administration and customer services. She has completed the South African Wine Course and Certificate Wine Course and is eager to advance her wine education. Phuti is a big lover of helping others, dancing, listening to music and sipping on Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling or Gewürztraminer.
Phuti Thole can be contacted at phuti@capewineacademy.co.za.
Nikita Reeves, Marketing Manager
After 4 years with Meridian Wine Merchants, Nikita joined CWA in November 2022 as our Marketing Manager. She has her BBA degree in Marketing Management and her Certificate in Cape Wine. Her ambition is to keep advancing her career in marketing as well as her wine journey by sharing the tremendous educational and training opportunities offered by the CWA. Naturally, Nikita is an avid wine lover and some of her favourites are Chardonnay and Gewürztraminer. You can count on Nikita for her quick wit and “dad jokes” for a good giggle.
Nikita Reeves can be contacted at nikita@capewineacademy.co.za.
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