What was the defining moment in your life which set you on the path of becoming a winemaker?
I made the decision when I was in grade 11 and trying to figure out what would be a challenging career for me. I think it is challenging to make wine as a woman and to be recognised for all that you can do.
Where did you train to become a winemaker?
Stellenbosch University
Who would you regard as your mentor?
The two brothers Johan and Kobus Rossouw. They were the winemakers in charge at Overhex where I did my first harvest.
You work with a selection of some of the world’s most noble grape varieties. Is there one other variety with which you would really like to work?
Ugni blanc
Is there another wine you would like to make in your cellar with the varieties available to you there?
Colombar
You seem to be quite innovative with new wine styles – what leads you there?
The fact that we have such valuable resources of the greatest quality makes it easy to be innovative. It is always exciting to venture into a new project and to have a positive outcome (great wine!).
If you could choose anywhere in the world to make wine other than where you are now, where would it be?
ITALY! Love the food, the wine, the people, the architecture and the weather!
And what grape type would you use?
I would use any of the native cultivars like Vermentino and blend it with the old traditional ones like Sauvignon blanc.
I know it is a bit tricky asking a father to choose his favourite child, but which one of your wines is your current favourite?
The Dry land Collection Barrel Fermented Chenin Blanc 2013
Your greatest bottle of wine ever? [And you can’t say one of your own!]
Venica Ronco delle Cime, an Italian wine similar to Sauvignon Blanc.
Do you enjoy cooking to show your wines off at their best or do you leave that to others?
I rather leave that to the professionals!
If yes what do you enjoying cooking most?
My cooking skills are limited to the basics. Wine always makes it better.
What is your favourite style of food?
Italian, German, Greek.
Your best style of restaurant, you enjoy visiting? Why?
Italian – the wine is part of the lifestyle, the food and wine and company just fits together perfectly.
Your ideal dinner party table of 6 {you may choose people dead or alive}. Tell me why you chose them.
My husband, parents and two sisters and me. Every dinner party with the family is special!
Your favourite holiday destination?
Anywhere where I am close to the ocean.
What is on your bedside table as reading matter at the moment?
The Bible, Marina Petropulos’ Baby and Childcare Handbook.
One piece of music you would take with you to a desert island.
“Stand by me” from Ben E. King