Powered by a deep rooted passion for wine, Denzel Swarts, Simonsig’s new Tasting Room Manager proudly represents the third generation of his family to work for the Malans on this landmark Stellenbosch wine estate.
Following in the footsteps of his late father, John Plaatjies, Denzel was always on the lookout for opportunities to earn extra pocket money. As a result he got to know the business from the bottom up, starting out as a young boy amongst the vines picking up papers, assisting in pest control and clearing blocked waterways. Later he started helping out at the Simonsig tasting room during weekends, assisting with general duties such as cleaning the spittoons and tables and buffing the wine glasses. After matriculating Denzel was employed by Simonsig as a Junior Wine Advisor after which he was promoted to a Logistics Assistant.
Working in the tasting room really got me excited about a career in the wine industry and like my father I wanted to manage a team, but I also wanted to focus on my passion for community upliftment.
Denzel decided to change his direction in 2006 to a career in the non-profit sector. This move saw him working at non-profit organisations such as Edmund Rice Camps and Youth Unlimited, both international social upliftment programmes which gave him the opportunity to travel to countries such as Australia, Spain and Germany.
In 2011 Denzel was welcomed back to the tasting room at Simonsig as a wine advisor.
Upon my return, Simonsig really invested a lot in me and my career, assisting me financially and enabling me to complete my certificates in Wine and Wines of the World through the Cape Wine Academy. My next goal is complete my studies towards becoming a Cape Sommelier and to complete my course in management – Denzel.
Having reached his dream of being in a managerial position Denzel’s mission for the next 10 years is to play his part in strengthening Simonsig’s footprint in the wine industry. On a more personal level he would like to continue his contribution towards the transformation of the wine industry.
I really enjoy travelling and working with people, perhaps someday when I am much older I might even become a lecturer in wine education. – Denzel
