Hailing from Calitzdorp, to some the port-wine capital of South Africa, Higgo graduated from the University of Stellenbosch with a law degree in 2002, but was constantly taking on wine roles with local vineyards, eventually spending nine years on either side of the cellar door: first making wine, then marketing and exporting it.

Today, certified with the Court of Master Sommeliers (UK), he is co-founder of the South African Sommelier Association (SASA) and consults on a selection of hospitality wine programs, and to the wine industry at large.

Higgo is a senior judge at the International Wine Challenge (IWC), and tastes for various local publications and competitions.