The Seeds of a Winemaker: Colen’s Journey with Pebbles Project

By Pebbles Project Trust

21-year-old Colen was born and raised on Hamilton Russell Vineyards. He is the eldest of three siblings, and lives on the farm with his parents, younger sister, and younger brother.

Colen joined the Pebbles Academy at the Pebbles Project Hemel-en-Aarde Education Project (HEAEP) when he was 14 years old. Pebbles Project stepped in and launched Pebbles Academy after the local government school, Diepgat Primary, closed due to funding issues. Pebbles Academy is an independent school that offers quality education from Grade R to Grade 7 to children from farming communities across the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley.

For Colen, the Academy offered more than an education, it offered a safe space where he could learn, grow, and dream. He shares: “One of my best memories was when we'd sit and have real, deep conversations with our teacher and classmates. I’ll always remember that.”

When Pebbles Project opened the Youth Development Centre as part of the Youth Development Programme (YDP) at the HEAEP, Colen didn’t hesitate to join. It became a turning point in his life. “I learnt that I have skills I never knew I had. I didn’t know I was good with my hands - woodwork, cutting grass, using tools. Pebbles helped me discover that. They showed me I could do more than I thought.”

Since childhood, Colen dreamed of becoming a winemaker, inspired by his father, who now works as a Vineyard Manager. Today, Colen is on that path. He works as a waiter at Creation Wines. After his shifts, he spends his time in the cellar, assisting the winemaking team - helping with the wine barrels, eager to learn as much as he can.

During his time at the Pebbles Project Youth Development Centre, Colen completed a range of courses, including a Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 1 course. He also gained practical skills through training in woodwork, housekeeping, barista skills, and wellness therapy. “The barista and hospitality training really prepared me for the role I’m in now. It gave me the confidence to work with people.”

Colen has been working at Creation Wines for one year. “When I first started, I was very shy, I struggled to communicate with people. But now I actually enjoy it. I’ve realised working with people is a strength of mine.”

Colen’s family is incredibly proud of how far he has come. Colen also takes pride in being a role model to others in his community, especially his younger cousin. “He once told me he wanted to be just like me one day. But I told him, don’t try to be me. Be the best you.”

When asked what Pebbles Project means to him, Colen doesn’t hesitate: “Pebbles has had such a big impact on my life. I never imagined I’d be here, I thought I’d be somewhere else entirely. Pebbles gave me opportunities I never thought I’d have. They gave me more than I ever expected.”

The Pebbles Project team is very proud of Colen - his determination, his humility, and the quiet way he leads by example. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for him as he continues to pursue his dream of becoming a winemaker.