When did you first become interested in wine? (When was your first taste? How was the experience?)
I became interested in wine in 2003. I thought that you must have a farm to produce wine, so I started hunting for a wine farm, but soon realized it was unrealistic. It was too expensive and made me look at alternatives.

What brought you into the wine business?
I looked at it from an entrepreneur's point of view. I wanted to get into the business world and the wine industry interested me.

If you didn't become a winemaker, what would you be?
I am not so much a winemaker as a business woman. I always wanted to be a lawyer or an actress. They're two totally different fields, but I'm not sure if the performance in both interested me more than the actual job, with one involving performing on a stage and the other one in front of a courtroom.

Do you have a favorite varietal or region?
I love Pinotage, which is a a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault.

If you don't order wine at a restaurant or bar, which beverage do you choose?
I think it would be politically incorrect to have anything else with food other than wine. Sitting in a restaurant and have anything else with your food besides wine would just be very odd for me.

What's your least favorite drink?
Spirit drinks.

What's your best wine-drinking memory? What was the occasion?
Always with my husband when slipping away from the hustle and bustle of the every day business stresses.

In your opinion, which country or region makes the best wine? Why?
The Napa Valley, of course.

What are your thoughts on recent trends within the industry?
I get the feeling that young people now prefer wine to a spritzer or a cooler more than ever before. Wine is a sophisticated drink and young professionals are fast becoming status-conscious.

What is the first thing someone learning about wine should know?
First drinkers should know that it is ok to sniff the wine, smell it and swirl a few times first before tasting. One should inhale the different aromas and try to identify particular smells to really enjoy the full wine drinking experience. Food also brings out the taste in wine. It is ok to ask the waiter to introduce you to a new wine that may interest you!

What are some of your favorite food and wine pairings?
I love seafood and white wine pairings, as well as interesting meat dishes with red wine pairings.

Do you think any rules should be adhered to when pairing?
No, I love to experiment. I hate to have rules linked to something that should be enjoyed!

What are some of the benefits of drinking wine?
A glass of red wine at night with supper helps the digestive system. According to research, red wine also helps prevent heart problems.

What wines should no home be without?
A dry red and white wine. Besides enjoying it with your food, you can also use it to cook and bring nice flavors to your dishes.

What are your three best tips, tricks or techniques for wine lovers?
Clean your palate with a dry biscuit before tasting wine. Allow enough aeration to bring out the character and flavor in the wine. I normally open a bottle of red wine the morning and let it stand open when entertaining guest the evening. I feel the wine just tastes so much better.