An episode that was a long time in the making. Cathy is my wine mentor and a great friend.

I am a big fan of the modern wines coming out of South Africa. So after a very long time away from the podcast, I was delighted when Cathy said yes to this interview.

Cathy has been a Master of Wine for 20 years, the first from the African continent to become an MW.

After a few years on the IMW committee, mainly heading the educational committee, Cathy served as the Chair of the Institute of Masters of Wine for two years, finishing her role just over a year ago, in Autumn 2024.

She regularly lectures and judges wines internationally.

For the last 20 years, Cathy has been involved with producing the fantastic Platter’s Guide to the Wines of South Africa. First, as a taster and about 12 years ago, as an Associate Editor, alongside the Editor, her Husband, Philip Van Zyl.

More recently, Cathy has taken the role of Director of The Old Vine Project.

She has started a company called Master-Classes, with her friend and business partner, Natasha Hughes MW, where they run seminars preparing candidates and students who are already on the programme to the demands of the Master of Wine studies. Their site can be reached at www.master-classes.org

In our conversation, we chatted about her role as Associate Editor of the Platter’s Wine Guide,

Her involvement with the Old Vine Project, her latest venture of Master Classes, and things she recommends to look out for from South Africa’s vineyards in 2026!

As it is a week before Christmas, I was curious as to what would grace Cathy and Philip’s table.

Enjoy and happy holidays!

Moshe