“I was welcomed with warm hands”
If you visit Vergenoegd Löw’s tasting room, you are likely to be served by an enthusiastic young lady who has the Estate’s wines and cultivars at her fingertips and invites you “to taste greatness”.
Enthusiastic wine ambassador Nolubabalo (Nolu) Mokoena warmly welcomes visitors to Vergenoegd Löw, sharing her passion for wine and the estate’s rich heritage with every pour.
Born in Stellenbosch and the mother of two, 32-year-old Nolubabalo (Nolu) Mokoena is passionate about her job and the wine that is produced on the estate. From the flagship Bordeaux-style red and the Cape Vintage port-style fortified wine, to the distinctive collection of single-variety wines, she knows them inside out.
“I like wine a lot,” she smiles. “It is my passion and I love telling our visitors about our wines, about aspects such the importance of the soil and the climate; and why one should appreciate the winemaker’s hard work.”
After matriculation at Kayamandi High School in Stellenbosch, Nolu obtained a diploma at The Pinotage Youth Development Academy (PYDA), also in Stellenbosch, which develops the capacity of young, disadvantaged South Africans and prepare them for employment within the wine and fruit industries, as well as related sectors such as hospitality and tourism.
“The course also taught us about self-development, self-awareness and how to reach your goals,” explains Nolu. “On my off days I went to different wine farms to taste wine and learn as much as possible about the various aspects of the winemaking process.”
After obtaining her diploma, she worked at the Spier wine farm, where she gained experience in different sections of the farm. This was followed by a stint in the tasting room at Delheim, where she also took visitors on cellar tours. Always eager to broaden her horizon, she applied for a job as tasting room ambassador at Vergenoegd Löw.
“I was impressed with everything I saw at the estate and was eager to become part of the Vergenoegd Löw family,” she says. “I therefore prepared myself thoroughly for the interview. I did research about the history of the estate and the wines which are produced on the farm, which must have impressed the interviewers. I was over the moon when I got the job.”
She started her journey at Vergenoegd Löw in December 2022 and immediately felt at home. “Everybody on the estate welcomed me with warm hands,” she says. “When I travel to work in the morning, it feels like I’m going to my family. I feel I’m being noticed, the managers appreciate me, they encourage me and always commend me when they feel I have done well.”
Nolu and her colleague, Shamilin, often conduct tastings for overseas visitors. “In addition to the tasting, we also share with them the rich heritage of the estate and our commitment to sustainable agricultural practices. Our job is not just to help grow our wine sales, but to promote everything the estate offers, such as our boutique hotel, the luxury spa and the two authentic South African restaurants.”
Her dream? “I feel I have a future with Vergenoegd Löw. I am content and happy, but in the longer term, I would love to spread my wings and gain experience overseas, preferably in a country such as Canada.”
But before she spreads her wings, she will welcome you with warm hands at Vergenoegd Löw.
