HIGGO JACOBS – SOMMELIER – CATHARINA’S RESTAURANT
South African born Higgo brings a wealth of experience to Steenberg. He grew up in Calitzdorp, an area well known for its success in growing port-wine varietals and it was at an early age that the young Higgo took an interest in wine. After finishing school, he commenced work at Hazendal where after a few years in the Winery, he became Champion Winemaker Ronell Wiid’s assistant - an excellent foundation for this ambitious young man. He then decided to study and after graduating from Stellenbosch University with his BA Law he joined Ernst Gouws at Hoopenburg who piqued his interest further and he decided to go to the UK to extend his knowledge on the sales side of wine.
Jacobs cut his teeth overseas working for award winning and highly respected small wine merchant Anthony Byrne in London, “a hard task master, but I learnt a lot” says Higgo. Most recently, it was whilst Manager of Jeroboams, renowned wine merchants in London’s trendy Notting Hill that he heard that Catharina’s had an opening for a Sommelier and longing for some South African sunshine, he applied. When asked what his hobbies are he says “oh, I am studying my LLB part time”. His overarching interest is in wine and its continuous challenges.
He obtained his Court of Master Sommeliers’ Certificate whilst working in London. Jacobs was an Assistant Judge at IWC in 2007, a judge in 2008 and has been invited to judge at the 2009 International Wine Challenge the World’s largest Wine Competition. Higgo also judges for Wine magazine, John Platter Guide and the Trophy Wine Show.
