I am an academic at the SA Grape and Wine Research Institute (Department of Viticulture and Oenology) (DVO) at Stellenbosch University in South Africa. My research interests are plant cell walls and plant polyphenols. Current research includes studying grape berry ripening, plant pathology and the effects of water deficit stress from the perspective of plant cell walls. Carbohydrate active enzymes involved in winemaking are studied. I also maintain an interest in plant desiccation tolerance.