Tara Essenhigh is in charge of sales for Cabrière wines in the Western Cape. "I love my job and couldn't ask for a better brand to sell. Everyone knows the Haute Cabrière Chardonnay/ Pinot Noir, and they regard the Pierre Jourdan Mèthode Cap Classiques as a treat, so it's not so hard getting my customers to stock our products."

Having studied Catering Management in Durban and worked as a chef in several illustrious hotels and eateries around South Africa and abroad, Tara is ideally qualified for this job: "I understand Achim's philosophy of the marriage of food and wine, and so I am passionate about training waiters and sommeliers about the Cabrière wines and how they complement various dishes. Because Cabrière wines are sold mostly in restaurants, Tara spends most of her time building relationships in this area. "It's great to have Achim, Hildegard and Takuan on hand to help with tastings and gourmet dinners, it makes such a difference to customers when they can meet the family that owns and runs the place."

Tara lives with her husband Barney and their two Labradors in a cottage on a farm in Tulbagh. "Barns has a construction company and spends most of his time renovating old houses. As there are many of these around Tulbagh, it's the ideal place to live." The couple has been living there for a year now, and they love the country life. "We don't have DSTV but we've made loads of friends and have a great time socializing. We entertain at home a lot, but also enjoy hiking in the surrounding mountains and organizing movie nights at the local hotel – it's a lot of fun!"