22 years ago, a freshly graduated Jerome Likwa cast his line into the waters and reeled in more than just fish—he hooked a job. It was a stroke of luck, aligned stars, and, perhaps, the right shirt. Donning his Matric 2002 shirt, Jerome caught the attention of none other than Adi Badenhorst, then the winemaker at Rustenburg. Following this serendipitous meeting, Jerome, born and bred in Elgin and destined for a future in the apple industry, started working in the cellar and cemented his future in the wine industry.
Fast forward two decades, and that eager graduate is now a seasoned winemaker, boasting a career spanning some of South Africa’s most esteemed vineyards. This dynamic winemaker, visibly young at heart, and not looking much older than in his school years, acknowledges the estate’s storied past as a compelling factor in joining the Vergelegen winemaking team. He joined Vergelegen in July 2023, reuniting the dynamic duo that is Luke and Jerome, having worked with Vergelegen cellarmaster, Luke O’Cuinneagain at three different wine estates over nearly 20 years.
Luke characterizes Jerome as a deep thinker, equally invested in the intricacies of life and wine. “What truly sets Jerome apart is his unwavering devotion to the craft of winemaking. It’s inspiring to witness how he climbed the ranks and motivates his colleagues with his success and passion for his work. Working alongside Jerome is an absolute delight.”
Jerome’s passion for winemaking runs as deep as the roots of Vergelegen’s vineyards. A natural storyteller, he prefers to let the grapes speak for themselves when it comes to winemaking, allowing the essence of the vineyards to shine through in every sip. With a solid foundation laid through SKOP and EKOV training, Jerome completed his winemaking studies at the Piedmont Virginia Community College in Charlottesville, Virginia followed by a harvest at Harlan Estate in California.
A nature lover at heart, when he’s not overseeing the winemaking process, you’ll find him next to the water, fishing rod in hand or relaxing on the couch with a David Attenborough documentary.