[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]As Women’s Month takes centre stage, we celebrate the true passion, achievements, and impact of some of the many talented women at Simonsig. One such inspiring woman is Danna de Jongh, the Cap Classique & White Winemaker at Simonsig. We asked Danna a few questions, and she gave us a glimpse into the journey of her deep-rooted passion for the art of creating the best wines and how together, we can achieve greatness.
Wine whisperer: What sparked your interest in the wine industry?
Danna: During my stay in Germany [after leaving school], I was introduced to wine drinking. Still very much unaware that you could study Winemaking, I embarked on a 6-month internship at a local German winery and shortly after found myself enrolled at Geisenheim University – a prestigious German university renowned for oenology.
Wine whisperer: What unique perspective do you feel you bring to the workplace?
Danna: Winemaking is a team effort. I believe it is vital to support, motivate and inspire others in my team. This allows me to produce the best wines possible. As Helen Keller said, Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.”
Wine whisperer: What is your favourite Simonsig wine and why?
Danna: I enjoy the Kaapse Vonkel for its refreshing and crisp palate – even in an Aperol Spritz;-). I also enjoy the Sunbird Sauvignon Blanc for its lively palate of exotic fruits and lengthy acidity. Both wines get me excited for summer and I can’t wait to be sharing it with friends and family on our next camping trip or a day at the sea.
Wine whisperer: What advice would you give to other women who are interested in being a part of this industry?
Danna: Find a good mentor. Working in the wine industry can be very rewarding, especially when you meet people that will guide and inspire you to be the best you can be. If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.
Wine Whisperer: Lastly, in celebration of Women’s Month, what message would you like to send out to all the women?
Danna: “There is no passion to be found playing small, in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living” – Nelson Mandela
Celebrate this Women’s Month with a few of Simonsig’s best-selling wines, the ones that sparkle and shine.Make memorable celebrations with our Kaapse Vonkel Cap Classique this Women’s Day.
The original bottle-fermented sparkling wine in South Africa. This delicate, sophisticated Cap Classique has an elegant perlage. Savour its refreshing fruit-driven flavours with your favourite seafood dish.
With a delightful pale salmon colour, this vibrant Cap Classique presents flavours of fresh strawberries and raspberry sherbet, which are complemented by hints of oyster shell and lightly baked biscuits. This sparkling rosé pairs well with most seafood dishes, or can be enjoyed with fresh seasonal berries or any other light dessert.
The wine’s lengthy acidity leads to a delightfully well-balanced Cap Classique, making every moment unforgettable. Pair it with ripe, full-cream cheeses like Camembert, Brie, or Blue Cheese. It also works well with refreshing, fruity desserts made from orange, lemon, and mango.
Embraced by a delicate string of fine bubbles, the Satin Nectar Rose has a beautiful coral-pink colour. Its luscious flavours of sun-ripe peaches and fresh melon can be paired with fruit salads, fresh berries, or a decadent dessert.
As we raise our glasses to the remarkable women around us, let us draw inspiration from Danna’s drive for making the best wines, and remember that by recognising and fostering collaboration, we’re set up for nothing short of extraordinary.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]