If Christien Herbst had remained in her hometown of Springbok in the Northern Cape, she may have settled for a glass of Hanepoot now and then, and a demanding career in law, her chosen profession as a student.
But a chance move with her family to Franschhoek in the Western Cape happily changed her path from the intricacies of court procedures and contracts, sampling sweet and aromatic dessert wines now and then. It would turn out to be the first step in a career she would come to live and breathe.
‘I knew in my heart that I was not destined to work in an office,’ confesses Christien. After a brief stint as a PA – ‘too much desk time’ – she began to explore the world of wine as the Public Relations Officer at Bergkelder Distillers.
Finally out and about, meeting winemakers, absorbing knowledge about wines, the process of growing and harvesting, and learning from tastings, she opened a window into a world that she would come to love.
‘Now, after 25 years in the industry, I am the brand ambassador for four very different farms, including Creation. These farms become your “breath”,’ she says, ‘but especially Creation. There is something elegant and pure about the way they make their wines.’
Christien has developed an interest in fine dining, pairing wine and food, and being able to host master classes for people. ‘I always encourage people to move away from what they usually buy and explore some of the more exceptional wines on offer in South Africa.
As far as Creation is concerned, she says: ‘I believe Creation is one of those brands that speaks eloquently and elegantly. I watch the Creation people when I come to the estate, and I see how much work goes in to maintaining such a high standard. I watch how guests are greeted with genuine smiles. You must love your job to do that.’
She concludes: ‘You may work for Creation, but it soon becomes a part of your life. JC and Carolyn have created a close-knit community that really cares. It’s not just a company. Their whole hearts go into what they do.’