Climate change is a reality and research has shown that climate change is making some wine regions less hospitable to certain grape varieties. So how does one address this challenge?

During a recent Wisdom and Wine Club event that was hosted by the Alumni Association of Stellenbosch Business School, the speakers explored how the wine and broader agricultural industry can plan and adapt to the threats of rising temperatures and decreasing rainfalls associated with climate change.

Carl Schultz, Cellar Master at Hartenberg Wine Estate just outside Stellenbosch, referred to regenerative farming practices that they adopted to respond to climate change. He oversees all aspects of winemaking and sustainability at the farm, where he has been since 1994.

Hartenberg’s holistic approach encompasses all aspects of the farm, including everyone who lives and works here. Their philosophy is to “leave Hartenberg in a better condition than when we started.”

Read more about their conservation story here: bit.ly/3V072EG

Dr Natasha Winkler-Titus, a senior lecturer in Organisational Behaviour and Leadership at the School, talked about responsible leadership. She said stewardship leadership has a bigger purpose, but you also need courage. She told the audience, “Ask yourself how you can make the world a better place. Make your change significant.”

The other speakers were Magda Vorster, Cape Winemakers Guild Protégé Programme Facilitator, and Mosima Mabelebele, a first year Protégé at the Cape Winemaker’s Guild. Carina Marais, a PGDip Futures Studies student at Stellenbosch Business School, facilitated the evening’s proceedings.

This was the club’s last event of the year, and members can look forward to more exciting events planned for the new year.

View photos of the evening here: http://bit.ly/3TIejrH