The Diplomat in Boots
Caspian Brightwater-Ndlovu
Director of Strategic Vineyard Relations
“A vineyard owner will tell you everything, provided you have already agreed with him.”
Biography
Caspian Brightwater-Ndlovu leads the Institution’s relations with vineyards in nineteen territories, a role that requires equal measures of diplomacy, stamina and waterproof footwear. He is the originator of the Walk the Rows protocol, under which every vineyard relationship begins with a ninety-minute walk, an agreement to admire the soil and an undertaking not to mention the price.
He is renowned for his ability to reach across the most entrenched differences of opinion between growers and critics, having brokered the Terrace Accord of 2014 and the Truce of the Second Harvest in 2019. His colleagues say he can be located in any season by following the mud. He has visited some 1,900 vineyards and has been invited back to 1,870 of them, a retention rate the Institution regards as extraordinary.
Career history
- 2014–presentDirector of Strategic Vineyard RelationsThe Shit Wine Guide
- 2008–2014Head of Grower EngagementAllied Cellars Reciprocity Network
- 2002–2008Regional Envoy, Southern TerritoriesFederation of Concerned Sommeliers
- 1997–2002Vineyard Liaison OfficerCorkwright Advisory Partners
- 1996–1997Field AssistantBureau of Vintage Reconciliation
Personal philosophy
Relationships, like vines, are strongest when left to establish roots before anyone asks for fruit.
Professional achievements
- Visited some 1,900 vineyards across nineteen territories
- Brokered the Terrace Accord (2014) and the Truce of the Second Harvest (2019)
- Maintained a 98.4 per cent invitation-back rate
Industry contributions
- Founder of the Walk the Rows protocol
- Chair of the Annual Growers’ Assembly
- Mentor to the Institution’s regional envoys