Lethabo Mothwa, a young woman with an unyielding passion for wine who is currently a sommelier at the Johannesburg Melrose Arch Marriott Hotel, has been selected to participate in the prestigious Bordeaux Mentor Week in France. Her journey from falling in love with wine to becoming a recognised sommelier is a testament to her dedication, resilience, and enthusiasm for the wine industry. Meetings caught up with Lethabo and she shared with us her inspiring story, her achievements, and her participation in a programme that promises to elevate her career to new heights.
A passion ignited
Lethabo’s journey into the world of wine began with a serendipitous encounter. After completing high school, she visited a friend’s house where she was introduced to the exquisite 2016 Albertus Virjoen-Bismarck by Alvis Drift from the Breede River Valley. This experience ignited her curiosity and passion for wine, leading her to explore the complexities and beauty contained within each bottle. From that moment on, she was determined to learn everything she could about wine, starting her career as a wine brand promoter at Big Five Duty-Free, OR Tambo International Airport.
Pursuing wine education
To deepen her knowledge, Lethabo enrolled at the Cape Wine Academy where she studied South African wines extensively. She later broadened her horizons by enrolling in the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET), gaining a comprehensive understanding of both new and old-world wine styles. Her commitment to education and her relentless pursuit of excellence have paved the way for her recognition and success in the wine industry. Today – she finds herself at the premium Johannesburg Marriott Hotel Melrose Arch engaging with guests from all over the world.
Blends and professional insights
Lethabo’s refined palate and extensive experience have led her to develop a preference for certain blends. Among her favourites are the Doolhof Single Vineyard Grenache Noir Syrah, Luddite ‘Saboteur’ Red, and Harry Hartman ‘Coracle’. For white wines, she favours the Mullineux Old Vines White and Vergelegen Estate White. These selections reflect her appreciation
for quality and her ability to identify exceptional wines.
As a sommelier, Lethabo finds immense joy in recommending wines to guests and introducing them to new varietals. She takes pride in educating others about the unique qualities of South African wines, particularly the Pinotage, a varietal that holds a special place in her heart. However, her role is not without its challenges. One of her pet peeves is when guests lift their glasses mid-pour, making it difficult to serve the wine properly. Despite such minor inconveniences, her passion for wine and her dedication to providing an exceptional experience for her guests remain unwavering.
Advice for aspiring sommeliers
Lethabo’s advice to aspiring sommeliers is to surround themselves with like-minded individuals who share their passion for wine. She believes that being in the company of those who love what they do can provide invaluable support and inspiration, helping one to grow and thrive in the industry.
The Bordeaux mentor week experience
Lethabo’s hard work and dedication have earned her a place in the Bordeaux Mentor Week, a prestigious and exclusive wine education programme held in Bordeaux, France. This programme, running from 23 to 27 September 2024, selects seven lucky wine scholars from around the world to participate in an intensive and immersive week focused on the wines of Bordeaux. The scholars will gain hands-on experience in various aspects of wine production, from harvest to blending, and will have the opportunity to develop their tasting skills with older wines from Bordeaux’s top producers.
The Bordeaux Mentor Week, co-founded by Jane Anson and Chinedu Rita Rosa, aims to increase inclusion, diversity, and equity in the wine industry. It provides access to the wines and the people of Bordeaux for young individuals starting out in the wine trade, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. The programme also includes a new element this year: one of the seven spots will be reserved for an aspiring novice journalist or wine critic, reflecting the organisers’ commitment to introducing fresh energy into wine criticism.
The scholars will be hosted by Château du Tertre in Margaux, with all accommodation and transport within the region covered by the organisers. Travel bursaries will also be offered to fund travel to the region. Historic sponsors such as The Gérard Basset Foundation and The IWSC – Club Oenologique support the programme, alongside new contributors like the Wine Scholar Guild and the Duquesne Club in Pittsburgh.
Lethabo’s journey from discovering her passion for wine to being selected for the Bordeaux Mentor Week is a story of inspiration and perseverance. As a young, black African woman making her mark in the wine industry, she represents the future of wine professionals who are diverse, dedicated, and driven by a love for their craft. Her participation in this prestigious programme not only highlights her achievements but also serves as a beacon of hope and motivation for aspiring sommeliers and wine enthusiasts worldwide. Lethabo’s story is a testament to the power of passion, education, and the unwavering pursuit of excellence in the wine industry.
