The threat of a boring life has led a Somerset West youngster to blaze trails in the South African wine industry and inspire other Helderbergers to take unconventional career paths.
Kaylin Willscott (28) added another prestigious label to her collection as she was named in the WineLand Media and ROTOCON 30 under 30 at the beginning of June.
Born and bred in Somerset West with roots as deep as old vines, she attended Hottentots-Holland High School, where in Grade 11 she was introduced to women working in male-dominated fields, which sparked her interest in winemaking.
“I never wanted my life to be boring. It is a concern for me when people settle for the mundane,”
Kaylin Willscott
Willscott’s ambitions have always had excellent structure and complexity, a state of affairs that led her to pursue a career in winemaking.
After matriculating she was accepted at Stellenbosch University where she studied viticulture and oenology without her parents’ knowledge.
“My parents were unsure because I didn’t choose a common career, but they never discouraged me,” says Willscott with gratitude for her parents who allowed her dreams to breathe and develop character.
Besides Willscott, her family boasts no ties to the wine industry.
“We weren’t the family that went wine tasting. Outside our house, alcohol generally had negative connotations. Wine is seen negatively in communities where it’s abused, but it can be a vehicle of change when properly appreciated for its craft and cultural significance rather than just its alcohol content.”
After graduating Willscott was selected for the Cape Winemakers Guild Protégé Programme, receiving mentorship and hands-on experience at several prominent Stellenbosch wine estates. This allowed her to venture abroad for harvests in France and Austria.
“For me, I am just living a dream. A month before I left for Austria my parents asked about my plans and I just went ‘Oh, I am going to Austria’.”
By late 2023 she had joined Journey’s End Vineyards in Sir Lowry’s Pass as assistant winemaker. The homecoming had notes of serendipity and purpose.
“Considering the rollercoaster my career has been, ending up in Sir Lowry’s Pass was quite unexpected. It was a full-circle moment to work in the community I grew up in.”
In April 2024, she was appointed head winemaker at the Inzuzo Wine Company, a social enterprise of Journey’s End, combining her expertise with community development where her family has deep roots. A perfect pairing of passion and purpose, with a nose of success.
“I knew I always wanted to be involved in outreach because winemaking alone isn’t enough,” says Willscott. “I needed something more fulfilling.”
Despite her accomplishments, Willscott feels that she still has a long way to go. “I hesitatingly call myself a winemaker, because many say one needs at least 10 years or 10 vintages.”
She hopes to mentor future winemakers, especially women. “Mentorship helped me, and if I can help other young women feel less like outsiders in the industry; it will make me happy.”
Willscott further encourages parents to let their children explore unusual career paths.
“Just let them follow their hearts; you never know what might happen.”
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