Last week Jordy Hesseling from the Netherlands shared his impressions of the two months he spent as a harvest intern at Creation. This week we’re talking to Nicolas Weber from Germany.
Nic’s family owns a winery in the beautiful Mosel Valley in Germany. He studied at the world-famous Geisenheim, completing a degree in Viticulture and Oenology. He also gained experience working a number of harvests in Germany, Italy and New Zealand. This made him a valuable contributor to the Creation 2020 harvest, especially since cellar assistant Kirsten Myburgh is away, working a harvest in New Zealand and stuck there for now in a great place at Foley Vineyards.
Asked why he decided to come to South Africa for a harvest, Nic said a medium sized winery in a cooler climate was his primary goal, having completed harvests in larger wineries before. “Secondly, I wanted more exposure to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir production.”
German winemaker Friedrich Becker was the man with the plan. Having been in contact with Creation co-owner and cellarmaster JC Martin about a collaboration project, he pointed Nic in just the right direction.
Commenting on his time at Creation, Nic is especially enthusiastic about all he has learned from JC. “He is one of the best mentors and bosses I’ve ever had. His philosophy and views are eye opening for me, not only when we talk about winemaking but also about different wine styles, sales, marketing and everything else that happens in the world of wine!”
Nic is excited about the new winemaking skills and tricks he learned from both JC and winemaker Gerhard Smith – “especially when it comes to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, barrels, yeasts, whole bunch fermentation and much more”. He also enjoyed the team spirit and then of course the evening braais! “A big thank you to the entire Creation team for an unforgettable time!”
Unfortunately Nic’s time at Creation ended abruptly due to the global COVID-19 crisis and the fact that he had to go home to assist with his family business. We wish him good luck and everything of the very best for the future.