Mitchells Plain, a densely populated area located within the city of Cape Town, South Africa, is often associated with social challenges. Yet, for Kiara Scott, it is the place where her dream of becoming a winemaker first took root, according to Forbes Africa.
Growing up in a conservative household where alcohol was discouraged, Scott found herself fascinated by the chemistry of wine and its effects on people. Surrounded by a culture of partying and liquor consumption, her curiosity about winemaking grew, despite her family’s reservations about alcohol. Surprisingly, when she shared her career aspirations, her mother and grandmother were supportive, encouraging her to pursue her passion.
Scott’s journey led her to the Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute in Stellenbosch, where she studied Viticulture and Oenology. After years of hands-on experience in vineyards, the 32-year-old recently achieved a significant milestone by winning the Diner’s Club Winemaker of the Year Award.
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This made her only the second woman in 44 years to receive the prestigious title. Scott’s career has been marked by other groundbreaking achievements: she was South Africa’s youngest female winemaker when appointed by Brookdale Estate in 2019, and she now serves as the head winemaker at Hazendal Wine Estate in Stellenbosch.
The South African wine industry, known for its diverse climate and soil types, continues to thrive. With over 87,000 hectares of vineyards spread across 800 kilometers, the industry employs more than 270,000 people, including farm laborers, packaging workers, and those in retail and wine tourism.
While traditionally male-dominated, the industry is undergoing a transformation. According to Wine Intelligence, a London-based research firm, women are increasingly taking on leadership roles, shaping the future of winemaking with innovative and sustainable practices.
Scott, one of the few young colored women in the global wine industry, acknowledges the progress. “There are definitely more women today in the wine industry than when I started. At that time, there were probably only two female winemakers that I was aware of,” she said to Forbes Africa.
Reflecting on her journey, Scott admits to facing challenges, including gender stereotypes and racial biases. However, she maintains an optimistic outlook, emphasizing that her experiences have been largely positive.
Her winemaking philosophy centers on minimal intervention and a deep respect for the terroir. “I have a simple and minimal intervention approach to winemaking. I believe that great wines are made in the vineyard,” she explained.
Scott is committed to understanding her vineyards and soils better each year, aiming to simplify the work in the cellar. Despite the challenges, she remains passionate about her craft. “There have been challenges, but nothing is not fixable, and for me, there is nothing else I would rather be doing than this,” she said.
