SEMINAR SPEAKERS
Antonio Amorim
Chairman and CEO of Corticeira Amorim, Antonio Amorim
was born in 1967 and graduated from Birmingham University with a degree in
International Commerce, having concluded post-graduate studies in Management at INSEAD, Stanford and Columbia Universities as well as
in Oenology at the University of Bordeaux.
Having
started his internship at the family holding company, Amorim-Investimentos e Participações,
in 1989, António Amorim was later appointed Managing Director of Amorim Hotéis (hotels) which, in a joint venture with Accor (the
world's leading hotel operator) launched the Novotel and Íbis chains in Portugal. Between 1993 and
1995, he was also COO of Amorim's real estate
division, developer of landmark projects such as Lisbon's Torres de Lisboa
office complex and Porto's Arrábida Shopping Center.
In 1996,
Antonio Amorim was appointed Chief Executive of the cork stopper division of Amorim’s industrial branch and five years later, in March
2001, became Chairman and CEO of the entire cork operation. Since then,
he has embarked on a massive R&D programme and major investments in new
plant development and vertical integration, from raw material supply to
finished product.
António
Amorim was President of the European Cork Confederation between 2003 and 2010
and, in 2012, completed his third and final consecutive term as President of
the Portuguese Cork Association. Under his leadership, the cork industry has
experienced a renaissance, leading to a 8.5% increase
in world exports in 2011 and further consolidation of Portugal as the
undisputed world leader in this sector. He is the current Presidente of Filcork – Inter-professional Association for the Cork
Sector.
In January
2006, António Amorim was awarded the Medal of Industrial Merit by the President
of Portugal
Kevin Arnold
Kevin Arnold, having completed his schooling at St Andrews, Bloemfontein, went on to do the Diploma in Cellar Technology at Elsenburg Agricultural College - Stellenbosch.
He spent time as a guest student at Geisenheim Wine School in Germany and also did practical work at Mondavi Winery in the Napa Valley, California. Further study tours were taken in Portugal, France, Italy and Chile.
During 1978 – 1979 Kevin worked as a cellar hand at Stellenbosch Farmer’s Winery. The following 9 years (1979-1987) were spent as winemaker at Delheim Wines, Stellenbosch. In 1987 he moved to Rust en Vrede Estate where he became winemaker/manager and spent ten years there establishing the Rust en Vrede Estate brand both nationally and internationally. In 1997 Kevin left Rust en Vrede Estate and started up the Waterford Estate from scratch with Jeremy Ord.
Charles Back
Charles was born on the Fairview farm in Paarl, which his family has owned since 1937. He matriculated at Paarl Gymnasium and then went on to attend Elsenburg Agricultural College in Stellenbosch, where he completed his qualification in Oenology and Viticulture. In 1978 after gaining his qualification, Charles returned to Fairview, but was shown no special treatment by his father. He worked on the farm as any other labourer, and through this he learnt a real appreciation for the land and earned the respect of the Fairview workers.
In 1997, Charles initiated the development of the Fairvalley Workers Association, in conjunction with local government. He donated funds to purchase a 38-acre farm near to Fairview. The association is an economic development initiative and the workers, who have served Fairview for many years, are now producing and marketing their own wine with plans to build more houses and improve facilities on the land. The same year also saw the beginnings of the Goats do Roam brand, one of the first so-called critter labels, which were soon the leading South African brand in the USA.
Charles was among the first South African winemakers to move away from the estate wine concept and today owns vineyards in Stellenbosch, Darling and the Swartland region, as well as Fairview and neighbouring farms in Paarl.
Through his forays into the Swartland region, Charles recognised its potential to produce premium wines and in 1998 founded The Spice Route Winery outside the town of Malmesbury. Spice Route wines continue to be recognised internationally and the Swartland has subsequently emerged as a leading wine region.
Fairview is one of the winelands’ leading tourism destinations, and provides additional jobs to a number of local people in the highly successful Goatshed restaurant.
Under Charles’ guidance, the farm’s reputation for producing quality wines and cheeses has gone from strength to strength. Charles has introduced many innovations and new ideas as well as increasing the focus on Rhône-inspired styles which he believes are best-suited to the local terroir. Fairview was the first wine farm to plant more unusual wine varieties, including Viognier, Tannat and Petite Sirah. Other recent Fairview innovations include the La Capra range, a fun lifestyle wine range and Fairview Feta, which comes in an innovative brine-free packaging.
Charles maintains a hands-on approach to the wine industry and his energy and inventiveness remain the driving force behind both Fairview and Spice Route’s success.
In his spare time Charles enjoys cycling and the outdoors.
Summary
Charles Back is one of the world’s most respected winemakers in charge of production from one of the world’s premier wine regions. An experienced vintner, Charles is the third generation of his family to run Fairview Wine and Cheese situated just outside Paarl in South Africa’s Cape winelands. In addition to various accolades and awards, he has been named as one of the world’s 50 most influential winemakers and growers by American Wine & Spirits magazine and one of the industry’s 10 most inspiring people by Harpers Magazine in the UK.
Charles Banks
Charles is a Founding and Managing Partner at Terroir Capital. Charles began his career at CSI Capital Management (³CSI²), a wealth management and investment advisory firm for high-net worth individuals, where he worked from 1992-2006. After holding various marketing and management positions, Charles became President of CSI in 2000. He remained President until 2006. He founded Terroir Capital to invest in unique hospitality and winery properties. From 2000-2009, he was the Managing Partner of Jonata Winery, and he was the Managing Partner of Screaming Eagle from 2006-2009. He was a Managing Partner of Napa Valley Reserve from 2006-2009.
He is also presently the Senior Executive Editor of Fine Wine Magazines, the owner of Amo Eno, a wine bar in Hong Kong, and as head of Terroir Capital owns the following wineries: Leviathan (Napa Valley), Sandhi (Santa Barbara), Mulderbosch (South Africa), and Cultivate Wines (Global). Charles graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in history.
Sebastian Beaumont
Born and raised on Beaumont Wines, Bot River, South Africa. I was introduced to vines and wines from a very young age and through a natural progression grew to understand the uniqueness of our terroir.
My aim is to produce wines that capture essence of what our vines can produce. The Hope Marguerite is one of the wines that express’s this purity.
I have a young family, Sophie and Leo, with my wife Nici and when there is a chance I try to get down to the ocean (20 mins away) for a soul restoring surf.
I am responsible for all aspect of our family business. Through this I have been fortunate enough to have seen and experienced many other parts of the world. This has always convinced me that we have something truly unique here in Bot River.
Abrie Beeslaar
Abrie matriculated in Worcester, finished his BSc. Agric at the University of Stellenbosch in 1997 and immediately joined Swartland Winery. During this time he also completed 3 vintages in Germany before joining Kanonkop Estate in 2002.
His track record at Kanonkop has been nothing but spectacular. He accumulated many Veritas Double Gold Awards, various John Platter 5 star awards, Caylon and Decanter Trophies etc. etc. At the 2008 International Wine and Spirit Competition held in London Abrie received the Pichon Longueville Comtesse da Lalande Trophy for best blended Red Wine and became only the 4th South African winemaker to receive the Wolff Blass Trophy for International Winemaker of the Year at the same competition.
Su Birch
Su Birch is CEO of
Wines of South Africa (WOSA), a position she has held since May 2000. Su holds
a BA Honours degree, from Stellenbosch, a teaching
diploma and a MBA from UCT.
During Su’s
tenure WOSA has been recognized internationally as one of the most innovative,
dynamic and cost effective of all country promotional orgnisations.
Su has been awarded the Lanson Woman In Wine Trophy 2005, the Cape Masters of Wine Wine Personality of the Year 2007, and Drinks Business
Woman of the Year Award 2009. In 2012 Su was listed by Wine intelligence as one
of 10 global wine industry figures who have made a significant contribution to
the business of wine over the past decade.
WOSA was a
founder member of WIETA (Wine Industry Ethical Trade Association) and Su has
served on the EXCO as a board member from 2002.
Su was a
co-founder in 1990 of SHARE, a not for profit organisation aimed at promoting literacy and skills amongst previously disadvantaged
communities and has been a director for 18 years.
Troy Christensen
Troy Christensen is the CEO of Accolade Wines, formerly Constellation Wines Australia & Europe prior to its purchase by CHAMP Private Equity in January 2011. He was appointed President, Constellation Australia and Europe, in June 2009 following his successful leadership of Constellation Europe Ltd and the subsequent amalgamation of Constellation’s International business.
Prior to this appointment, Christensen was President, Constellation Europe Ltd, from March 2007 following his achievements as CFO, Constellation Europe Ltd, from September 2006.
Christensen has had 13 years in the industry with Constellation, initially joining the business with the Canandaigua Wine Company Division. He then transferred to US based Barton Incorporated, where he held the position of Chief Financial Officer. At the time Barton was the United States largest beer importer and third largest producer and distributor of spirits.
During his time at Constellation Europe, the company expanded into mainland Europe and South Africa, launched Premium Wine Estates and led an industry initiative to engage more people with the overall wine category.
Prior to joining Constellation, Christensen worked as the VP of Finance for Farley Foods in the US from 1995 to 1997. He started his career at Ernst & Young from 1988 to 1991.
Christensen is a Certified Public Accountant, Certified Management Accountant, and Certified Treasury Professional.
Christensen received his Masters of Management in Finance, Marketing and Strategy from the Kellogg Graduate School of Management, Northwestern University in Evanston Illinois. Christensen completed his undergraduate degree in Accounting at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois.
Alain Deloire
Alain Deloire obtained his PhD in 1982 at the University of Montpellier II, France. He worked as a team leader in Viticulture at Moët & Chandon (Champagne) and was associate professor at the University of Reims, France. He has been working for 14 years as professor in grapevine physiology and biochemistry at Montpellier SupAgro, France. He is co-author of a book on “grapevine physiology and terroir” and participated to the writing of 4 book chapters, 68 scientific (or related) publications, 60 popular publications and presented 30 papers and 30 posters at national and international conferences. He is also co-inventor of 3 patents on grapevine biotechnology.
His research topics include grapevine biotechnology, grapevine physiology and grape berry biochemistry. Prof Deloire received the LVMH award for the first genetically modified vine and the ANVAR award for his contribution towards establishment of a compagny that specialize in grapevine innovations and the optimization of harvest potential. He also acted as promoter and co-promoter of 8 doctoral theses and study leader for 73 MSc students.
Since the 1st January 2009 he joined the department of Viticulture and Oenology (University of Stellenbosch) as professor in Viticulture. His research focuses on “Ecophysiology of Berry ripening and wine style”. He is Chair of the Department of Viticulture and Oenology- IWBT (University of Stellenbosch) since the 1st January 2011.
Kuseni Dlamini
Kuseni Dlamini is the Chairman of South African National Parks (SANParks) and a member of the Board of Directors of Aspen Pharmacare Ltd, the largest pharmaceutical company in the southern hemisphere. He was recently Chief Executive Officer of Old Mutual South Africa and Emerging Markets, the largest insurance company in South Africa and on the African continent. Prior to this, he was the Chief Executive of Anglo American South Africa and a member of the Executive Committee (Exco) of Anglo American plc. Before heading up Anglo American South Africa, he held the position of Executive Chairman of Richards Bay Coal Terminal (RBCT), the single largest export coal terminal in the world and was instrumental in increasing its design capacity from 72 to 91 million tons per annum. Prior to RBCT, he occupied a number of senior positions at Anglo Gold Ashanti and De Beers in South Africa and the United Kingdom. Kuseni graduated cum laude for his Bachelor of Social Science (Honours) Degree from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, and was named a Rhodes Scholar to read for his MPhil Degree at Oxford. In March 2008, he was named a ‘Young Global Leader (YGL)’ by the World Economic Forum and, during the same month, Miningx selected him as one of the top 100 most influential people in South African mining. In June 2008, the Mail & Guardian newspaper named him one of the top 200 young South Africans worth taking to lunch and in the same year and month, The Economist referred to him as “A Rare Commodity’. In 2010, the World Economic Forum appointed him a member of the Global Agenda Council on Economic Growth and Poverty Alleviation. Kuseni is a member of the National Council of the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) at Wits University and the Advisory Board of Wits Business School. He was recently appointed by the Higher Education Minister to be a Member of the Council of the University of Pretoria.
Niel Groenewald
Niël Groenewald is larger than life on almost all accounts.
His great physical stature is rivalled only by his visceral passion for his craft as Bellingham’s Chief Winemaker since 2004. His remarkable strategic business acumen and stringent detailed winemaking is tangible in the innovation and stylistic spectrum of his multi-award winning wines under The Bernard Series label.
With an Honours degree in Oenology from Stellenbosch University and in the final year of an eMBA from UCT Graduate school of Business, Niël could be called the ‘brains behind the bottle’.
His tactical approach to traditional practices belies his awesome vision that is translated into his wines by measured modern methodology and fearless entrepreneurial approach. His cutting edge talents extend way beyond the Bellingham Cellar with his significant digital marketing insights together with his committed multi-directional ambitions and willingness to exchange ideas. Niël makes a big impression all over the world with his engaging warmth, obvious passion and natural ability to educate and excite customers and consumers about South African wine.
Craig Hawkins
Originally from Pietermaritzburg, Kwa-Zulu Natal, Craig came to the Cape as a teenager where he attended Wynberg Boys High School and spent his days causing mayhem at boarding school and playing hockey. After graduating and having always had a keen interest in nature, he decided to study Forestry at the University of Stellenbosch. A short while into the course, Craig decided to give studying a break and he set off for England to play hockey for a year. He worked as a grounds man at Bedford School and soon earned the nickname “Squirrel”. A funny story that may not be elaborated on here.
Upon returning to South Africa, Craig followed in his older brother Neil’s footsteps and enrolled to study Viticulture and Oenology at the University of Stellenbosch (Craig fell in love with wine whilst working for Neil during university holidays to earn a little extra pocket money for beer). There he picked up a little trouble with his lecturers believing even then that conventional farming and winemaking was not for him. Craig spent his final practical working for the Sadie Family here in Swartland where his love for the region began.
After graduating Craig set out to earn as much experience working in climates similar to our own here in the Swartland. He spent four vintages working for the Sadie Family here in South Africa and travelled in Europe in the Old World at every opportunity. He has done vintages in Spain (Dits del Terra), Portugal (Niepoort) and France (Ogier (Cote rotie), Roc d’Anglade (Languedoc), Domaine Matassa (Roussillon) and spent a couple of weeks working/making his way around Sicily. More recently, he has completed four vintages in Austria at his first wine job making the wines for Muhr- van der Niepoort. Craig joined Lammershoek at the end of 2009 and started making El Bandito in 2008 where he first fell in love with skin macerated white wines.
In his spare time, Craig still plays hockey for the Somerset West Boomers and is an avid Sharks rugby supporter. He still dreams of returning to Kwa-Zulu Natal and planting vineyards on his uncles’ cattle farm near Lesotho at high altitude.
Bennie Howard (Cape Wine Master)
Bennie Howard
is a well-known wine authority in South Africa. He has more
than 30 years of experience in the wine trade with marketing and PR as his
forte. He joined the wine industry in 1979 as wine development manager for
Stellenbosch Farmers Winery, the largest wine company in South Africa and
became the Group PR Manager in 1981 in Stellenbosch. Bennie was one of the
first three Cape Wine Masters to qualify in 1984, the highest qualification for
people to have an international knowledge of wine and top tasting abilities.
He
was the general manager of the internationally renowned Nederburg Wine Auction for
16 years. He has presented wine tastings all over the world and acts as wine
auctioneer on a regular basis. When SFW and
Distillers Corporation merged in 2000, he was appointed as Group PR Manager for
the new company, Distell.
In 2004
Bennie started his own consultancy business, Bennie Howard and Associates. In
this business he advises customers on a wide spectrum of matters that include
local and international sales and marketing, public relations and wine related
events. He presents food and wine pairing tastings on a regular basis for
restaurants and hotels.
He runs the
marketing and PR for Meerendal Wine Estate, and still
consults for the Nederburg Auction. Bennie has been handling the logistics and
selection tastings for the on board wine list of South African Airways for the
past 16 years. He has been the Vice-Chairman of the SA National Wine Show that
presents the two largest Wine shows and competitions in South Africa since
1991: the SA Young Wine Show and the Veritas Wine Awards.
He is the past Chairman of the Institute of Cape Wine Masters, a member of the
tasting panel of the Wine and Spirit Board and Panel Chairman of "Which
Wine", a regular tasting panel for Wineland Magazine. He often writes articles for a variety of publications. He is the
past Chairman of the Durbanville Wine Valley Association and the founder
chairman of "The Gastronauts", a Food &
Wine Society made up of members from the Hospitality industry in the Western Cape
that started in 1997. He is an honorary member of the SA Chefs Association.
Dave Hughes
Distiller, Winemaker, wine auctioneer, international wine and spirit judge. Writer on drink and allied subjects. Consultant to Nederburg Annual Wine Auction, to Veritas National Wine Competition, South African Airways Wine Selections, and to International Wine and Spirit Competition in Britain.
Works : wine books : Living with wine, 300 Great South African Wines, 9 editions South African Wine Buyers Guide, Winelands of the Cape, Visiting Wine Routes, Hughes on Booze 1997, 200 Best Value Wines in South Africa 2001. SA Wine Dictionary 2004, Brandies of the Cape 2004. Co-Author : Enjoy Wine with Dave Biggs 1990, Contributor to John Platter Wine Guide since 1996, then with Phyl Hands : SA Complete Book of Wine 1983 and 1988, South African Wine 1992, Wines and Brandies of Cape of Good Hope 1997, New World of Wines from Cape of Good Hope 2001.
Contributor to local and international Wine, Spirit and Travel magazines, presented Tastings, Talks and papers on SA Wine Industry and products in 13 countries around the world. Judged at IWSC in Britain since 1975.
Founder of the Cape Wine Academy and the Cape Wine and Spirit Education Trust (with Godfrey Du Bruyn) South African Representative at International Wine and Spirit Competition based in Britain, involved in Nederburg Wine Auction since its inception in 1975. Member : American Society of Enologists, Society of Wine Educators. International Wine and Spirit Journalists, Life Member International Wine and Food Society, In 2001 invited to join Worshipful Company of Distillers and first ever non-British resident, 2002 created Freeman of London, 2003 created Keeper of the Quaich (A Scotch Whisky Association to honour those who have contributed to the Scotch Whisky Industry). Member of the British Wine Guild.
1998 Cape Wine and Spirit Education Trust Scroll of Honour for exceptional contribution to wine education and an Ambassador for South African Wines internationally. Institute of Cape Wine Masters Personality of the Year 2000. 2007 made Honorary Member of Pinotage Association. 2008 Inducted into the Guild of the South African Brandy Foundation. June 2011 South African Port Producers Association Certificate: “In recognition to the work and commitment to the South African Port Producer’s Association Since 1993”
Jeff Joubert
Jeff spent his life since birth in Robertson, where he matriculated and furthered his education in Stellenbosch. His BSc Agric degree was followed by an MSc Agric degree in Pretoria and his first appointment was in the Langkloof, as technical manager for Lanko. After that he managed a farm in Wellington for 15 years for Omnia Farming. He’s held his current position for the last 16 years as Viticultural consultant for Vinpro (www.vinpro.co.za) in the Olifants River region. Jeff loves his outdoor lifestyle, has a passion to share viticultural knowledge and is happily married to his secretary, with 3 sons and 2 granddaughters.
Marc Kent
Marc Kent is the Chief winemaker and General Manager at Boekenhoutskloof.
Born on the Natal South Coast, Marc later moved with his family to the Cape, where the passionate interest of friends in the wine industry not only inspired him to study Cellar Technology at Elsenburg College, but, together with his own regard for the French winemaking tradition, laid the foundation for his own style and philosophy of winemaking.
Marc's first vintage was in 1996 and Boekenhoutskloof ensured sold-out vintages ever since.
In 2007 Marc was awarded with the title of “Diners Club Winemaker of the Year”.
Boekenhoutskloof was awarded ‘Winery Of The Year 2012’ by the Platter’s Wine Guide.
Marc is a member of the Cape Winemakers Guild.
Marc is married to Brigitte and they have twins, Carter and Drew
Johann Krige
Johan is co-proprietor of Kanonkop Estate, chairman of WOSA, vice chairman of VINPRO and also serves on various industry bodies. He
graduated from Stellenbosch University with a BA.LLB.MBA degree, did a short stint at KWV before joining Kanonkop, a 4th generation
family business in 1990.
Rosa Kruger
Rosa Kruger has been interested in old vines and the reasons why they survived
for the last ten years. She has systematically put together a list of vineyards
older than 35 in this country, hoping that winemakers will take interest and
produce wines from it. Her journey took her all over the Western Cape, to
remote places where vines are still producing a crop after more than 100 years.
Rosa has been tending vines for the last 15 years. She studied Journalism and
law but realised that she could not survive in a city
and went farming. Her passion for viticulture and wine took her to Spain,
Portugal, France, Slovakia, Italy, California,
Hungary and most other wine producing countries in the world. Presently
she is assisting in the vineyards of a few wine estates. Not having
studied viticulture, she had the privilege of working with teachers like Eben
Archer, Dawid Saayman, Francois Viljoen, Alain Deloire and many of the old, seasoned farmers and farm workers in the Western
Cape.
Kallie Louw
Graduated from Stellenbosch university 2000, BSc viti vini. Travelled to France, New Zealand, Australia, and California for harvest’s over a 4 year period, worked at Rustenberg during this time (2000-2004), Started at Vondeling in 2004-2007 as winemaker, 2007-2009 TMV then 2009 to present at Porseleinberg. More a farmer than a winemaker.
Mzokhona Mvemve
Mzokhona studied Chemical Engineering in Durban following this with a short stint at a petrol company, after which one of his lecturers pointed him in the direction of winemaking, encouraging him to apply for a scholarship to study at Stellenbosch University. Graduating from Stellenbosch University with a degree in Viticulture and Oenology he has worked at Kanu with Teddy Hall and Delaire with Bruwer Raats, before becoming the winemaker for Cape Classics, a position he currently still holds. His wife, Lerato is a medical doctor and gave birth to their first child, Madlozamhle, in September 2005. Mzokhona is involved in various aspects of the wine industry, namely; panel judge for numerous wine competitions (Veritas, WINE magazine and Fairbairn Capital Trophy), tasting panel for John Platter guide and SAA wine selection judge, trustee of the Pebbles Project Educational Trust – an initiative to support children with special educational needs.
Luke O'Cuinneagain
Luke O'Cuinneagain grew up amongst the vineyards of the Constantia Valley and that is where the passion for wine and the vine started. Always looking for new and innovative ideas Luke travelled to and worked in many of the world's famous wine centres after his studies.
He worked first in Bordeaux at Château Fieuzal, before going to Alsace. In 2006 he spent many months at Screaming Eagle in the Napa Valley, USA. In 2007 he worked under the tutelage of Hubert de Bouard at Chateau Angelus. On the South African wine front he spent five years at Rustenberg Wines in Stellenbosch before joining the team at Glenelly. As well as being the wine maker, Luke also has responsibility for our sales in the domestic South African and neighbouring markets
Jörg Pfützner (Sommelier)
German-born Jörg Pfützner, is an internationally trained and certified sommelier
living in South Africa for more than 9 years already. Having worked at top
restaurants both in Hamburg and Cape Town, he started his own businesses: he
owns and runs
The Riesling Club whose members have access to top European and in particular
German bottlings. Featuring in South Africa’s wine
festival calendars is his company Fine Wine Events, which celebrates
wine with unique and specifically themed fine wine and food tastings
and festivals. Fine Wine Events focuses on particularly rare and fine wines
along with the support of South Africa’s highest rated chefs. Since
completing his post graduate diploma in Wine Business Management, he continues
to present and lecture locally and abroad as well as manage a group of private
cellars, travelling widely to learn and lecture about wine.
Eben Sadie
Essentially , I am not too sure who I am either, but here it goes.
I am 38 years old studied oenology in South Africa and thereafter embarked on a global search in the mysterious subject of wine and worked on and off between 1994 till 2001 in Germany, Austria , Italy, France, Oregon, California and Spain on wine farms and cellars to understand more of the cultural bearing of wine and the diversity thereof.
In 1997 I came to the Swartland wine region and did a pilot project for Charles back with the incorporation of the first private cellar in the West Coast and was involve at initial Spice Route formation between 1997 till 2001.
In 2000 I founded THE SADIE FAMILY WINES in the Swartland, South Africa and started the Columella & Palladius wines in a tiny 20 000 bottle per year winery.
In 2001 Dominik Huber and Myself partnered up and founded TERROIR AL LIMIT in Priorat, Spain, where we produce around 25 000 bottles per year.
In 2003 Cornel Spies CWM and myself partnered up and we founded SEQUILLO CELLARS, and we produce around 40 000 bottles annually.
All of the above cellars are only focusing on organic and sustainable practices and natural winemaking and the focus is rather about the identity and the individuality of each of the philosophies as opposed to a streamlined objective to meet consumer demands.
Essentially – “PLACE ABOVE PROGRESS” and “THE SENSE OF PLACE TO BE RECONIZED IN A WINE IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN ANY OTHER QUALITY”
Lynne Sheriff (MW)
Following a
life in hotel-keeping, Lynne studied Winemaking in Stellenbosch, Germany and
Bordeaux. She hold a South African Cape Wine Masters (CWM) qualification, and was a former director of the Hong
Kong International Wine & Spirits Academy. Lynne was one of the first two
South Africans to earn the MW qualification, in 1993.
From 1992 –
2000 was the Commercial Director for Vinfruco,
importing South African wines such as Arniston Bay
and distributing throughout Europe.
In 2000 she
established her own wine consultancy company, working with clients from single
vineyards to multinational companies in Europe, Australia and South Africa. Advising on various issues ranging from production to wine styles, labeling
and marketing globally. Lynne speaks four languages: English, French,
Dutch and German, and is currently studying Japanese and Spanish. Lynne is the acting chairman for the
Institute of the Masters of Wine.
According to
Lynne - cooking is not her strong point and remains her husband’s domain! Her
second love after wine – travel.
Frans Smit
This man needs little introduction, having had our flagship Bordeaux-style blend named in his honour! Frans was raised in Kakamas, a small town in the Northern Cape. His interest in viticulture began at an early age and informed his career choice, starting with a diploma in cellar technology. Graduating at the top of his class, Frans spent his third year studying oenology, and joined Spier on graduating in 1995. A strong believer in simplicity, Frans relies on few conventions in the Spier cellar. He attributes high importance to grape quality – something he is able to spot with great accuracy. He is also a self-confessed ‘terroir nerd’ and spends a good deal of time studying vineyard charts. His favourite cultivars are Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot from Spier’s own farms. Frans’s idea of the perfect holiday is braai tongs in one hand, Spier wine in the other, and miles and miles of endless Kalahari sand
Rebecca Tanner
Rebecca has worked in the wine industry since leaving school in 1992. She started working as a research assistant in her last year of school for Tyrell’s winery in the Hunter Valley and from there went on to study winemaking in Australia at Charles Sturt University graduating with a degree in Oenology in 1996. In the last year of her studies she won a scholarship at the University’s commercial winery and worked here for two years gaining valuable experience in good winemaking practice under Rodney Hooper.
After finishing her studies Rebecca worked for Lakes Folly and was assistant to Australian legend Max Lake in the cellar and vineyard. She then went on to work in different wine regions of the world gathering cultural experience as well as various vineyard and winemaking techniques.
Rebecca has a total of 24 harvests under her belt including three consecutive vintages as a flying winemaker for Campangola, an Amarone producer in Italy. Her Australian vintages include Cranswick wines in Griffith, Brokenwood in the Hunter Valley, Domaine Chandon in the Yarra Valley, Piper’s brook in Tasmania and Cullen wines in Margaret River. She has also done stints in the South of France, Cyprus, Chile and New Zealand.
Rebecca moved to South Africa in 2007 where she worked for Joostenberg wines and Reyneke before taking on the position as winemaker for Tulbagh Mountain Vineyards in 2009. She met Charles Banks soon after arriving and stayed on as winemaker for Fable during the Terroir Capital takeover in October 2010.
Rebecca is currently studying a Master’s degree at Stellenbosch University in sustainable agriculture and Vinoecology.
Beyers Truter
He graduated in 1980 as winemaker from the University of Stellenbosch. (B.Sc.Agric.)
Known as the PINOTAGE KING around the world, his passion is undoubtedly red wine. As co-owner and winemaker of Beyerskloof he still believes that all his success is due to the grace of God.
He has won numerous local and international awards throughout his career.
Locally the one which stands out is being an unequaled 10 time winner of the ABSA PINOTAGE TOP 10 AWARDS as well winning the DINERS CLUB WINEMAKER of the YEAR award in 1987 for Pinotage.
Beyers Truter has won a multitude of International recognition and awards, and has particularly achieved great heights at one of the World’s most respected International Competitions, the IWSC.
INTERNATIONAL WINE & SPIRIT COMPETITION
1991 The Robert Mondavi Trophy for International Winemaker of the Year
1994 The Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande Trophy for the Best Blended Red Wine
1996 The KWV International Trophy for the Best Pinotage
1998 The Warren Winiarski Trophy for Best Cabernet Sauvignon
1999 The Dave Hughes Trophy for Best South African Red Wine
1999 The Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande Trophy for the Best Blended Red Wine
2000 The KWV International Trophy for the Best Pinotage
2001 The KWV International Trophy for the Best Pinotage
2003 The Dave Hughes Trophy for Best South African Producer
2005 The KWV International Trophy for the Best Pinotage
2008 The KWV International Trophy for the Best Pinotage
Beyers Truter also won many other International Trophies which include Decanter World Wine Award – Best Red Blend as well as many other trophies and gold medals at below mentioned competitions:
INTERNATIONAL WINE CHALLENGE – London
CLASSIC WINE TROPHY – Air France
INTERNATIONALE WEIN PRAMIERUNG – Zurich
CONCOURS MONDIAL – Bruxelles
VERITAS AWARDS – South Africa
Beyers Truter is truly one of South Africa’s greatest winemakers and undoubtedly
the King of Pinotage.
Koos van der Merwe
After finishing his studies at the University of
Stellenbosch in 2002 in Viticulture and Soil Science Koos started off as
viticulturist at Vredendal Winery (Now Namaqua Wines)
in the Olifants river valley. It was there, working under Jeff Joubert, that he
learnt the importance of observation in the vineyards and how important this is
to being a good viticulturist.
Koos did three vintages in Vredendal before being appointed at Wellington and
Wamakersvallei Wineries (Now Wellington Wines).
In 2006 the
wine industry was down on their knees due to the drop in wine and grape prices
and it became important to be creative in the vineyards in order to keep the
farmers profitable. Koos was part of a team who did a lot of work on
alternative trellising systems off which not only increased the yields but also
the quality of the grapes and wines. Having joined Leeuwenkuil Family Vineyards during their first vintage in 2009, Koos hasn’t looked back.
He is now
responsible for the production of 27 000 Tons of grapes coming from
approximately 2500 ha of vineyards. Koos’s job is
more than simply primary production he has to ensure relationships with the
growers remain in good order and that they are always one step ahead of their
competitors.
Gerrit van Rensburg
A well-known farmer, Gerrit van Rensburg, served as Cabinet Minister of Agriculture in the Western Cape Government from 18 June 1999. Property Management and Public Works were added to his portfolio in July 2000.
He occupied this post until December 2001. With the formation of the new coalition government he became Chairperson of the Standing Committee for Finance.
In March 2003 the opportunity arose for him to cross the floor. He resigned as Chairperson and became an ordinary member of the DA. He was appointed as the DA spokesperson for Agriculture.
Van Rensburg currently serves as the Western Cape Government Cabinet Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development and has been responsible for this portfolio since May 2009.
He lives and farms at Fontein-Wes with his wife Christa in the Mossel Bay area (Southern Cape). They have a daughter, Helena, and two sons, Maartin and Alex.
ACADEMIC
Van Rensburg matriculated at Point High school in Mossel Bay and completed his statement of service at the South African Navy. After this he studied Agriculture at Stellenbosch University.
Some of the courses he has completed are:
1972: Grain grading at Stellenbosch
1973: Springbok colours for wool classification at NWCA
1974: Agricultural Management at UNISA
1976: Judge for Merino sheep
1986: Management Development Program at Stellenbosch. Top Student.
AGRICLTURE
Van Rensburg served as Secretary at various Farmer Associations and Farmers Unions for 15 years and served on the Executive Committee for Agri Western Cape for 13 years. During this period he served as Vice-President for 3 years and President of Agri Western Cape for 3 years.
During July 2005 Agri Western Cape venerated van Rensburg with Honourary-Presidency.
He held the following positions at the South African Agricultural Union:
Chairperson: Electricity
Member of Land Affairs Committee
Chairperson: Committee for Governmental Affairs and Local Government
Member of General Council
COMMUNITY
Van Rensburg has shown leadership in various district organisations outside of Agriculture:
Member of the Southern Cape District Service Council for 8 years
Chairperson: Southern Cape District Service Council
Member of the Provincial Development Council
Director and Member of Executive Committee: Wesgro
Church Councillor
SPORT
Van Rensburg received SWD colours for Schools Rugby in 1966
