Six Pioneering female winemakers and the varietals they champion

Hear me pour! These female wine makers are transforming South Africa’s wine industry

By House & Garden South Africa | August 28, 2024 | Category

Words by Malu Lambert

Chenin Blanc

Brookdale Chenin Blanc. Image: Supplied.

“Be bold. Take risks.” – Kiara Scott, Brookdale Estate

Originally from the Cape Flats, Kiara graduated in Viticulture and Oenology from Elsenburg in Stellenbosch; after which she joined Duncan Savage at Brookdale, through the Cape Winemaker’s Guild Protégé Programme.

Kiara Scott of Brookdale Estate. Image: Supplied.

In 2019 she was promoted to head winemaker – at just 26, this made her the youngest female in the position in South Africa. Kiara hasn’t looked back since.

“Chenin has an incredible versatility of styles; you can make anything from Cap Classique to sweet wines,” says Kiara Scott.

Sauvignon Blanc

Cape Point Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc Reserve. Image: Suupplied.

“I was drawn to sauvignon blanc, and sauvignon blanc was drawn to me.” – Riandri Visser, Cape Point Vineyards

Meet the Siren of Sauvignon, Riandri Visser, who lives and breathes sauvignon blanc; she's even named her dog after the grape. Riandri divides her time between Noordhoek, Cape Town and Sancerre in France – there, she works alongside her fiancé at Pascal Jolivet.

Meet the Siren of Sauvignon, Riandri Visser, who lives and breathes sauvignon blanc. Image: Supplied.

The pair also operate their own brand at the nearby Domaine les Ormousseaux.

“Sauvignon can create wines with great depth and complexity. It’s a variety that challenges me,” says Riandri Visser.

Chardonnay

Tesselaarsdal Wines Chardonnay. Image: Supplied.

“My wine journey has been a fulfilling one.” – Berene Sauls, Tesselaarsdal Wines

Berene began her career at Hamilton Russell Vineyards in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. After 15 years, the Hamilton Russells helped her start her own business; and in 2015, Tesselaarsdal Wines was born. It was named as a tribute to Berene’s ancestral hometown (also in the Overberg), which is now also the site of her winery. Her debut chardonnay was released to much acclaim.

Berene Sauls. Photography by Lee-Ann Olwage.

“My palate was shaped by all the great chardonnays I tasted while at Hamilton Russell,” says Berene Sauls.

Pinotage

Wolf & Woman Wines Pinotage. Image: Supplied.

“Don’t react to things you cannot control – and travel more.” – Jolandie Fouché, Wolf & Woman Wines

Wanting to break free from being a salaried winemaker, Jolandie created her own label, Wolf & Woman, in 2018. She was inspired by the novel Women Who Run With The Wolves, and decided to embrace her wild! She makes a highly acclaimed range of wines, among them a pinotage in the new wave style.

Jolandie Fouché, Wolf & Woman Wines. Image: Supplied.

“An unexpected success is more rewarding than an expected one, and pinotage can surprise you with both power and finesse,” says Jolandie Fouché.

Cabernet Sauvignon

Erika Obermeyer Wines Cabernet Sauvignon. Image: Supplied.

“Dream big. Life has a fabulous feedback system that shows you what you’re doing right.” – Erika Obermeyer, Erika Obermeyer Wines

Erika has always been driven by nature. Growing up on her family’s sheep farm in the Karoo, she says, she spent hours exploring the veld with her dog. She channelled this love of the natural world into a career in winemaking. After many years of making still wines at Graham Beck, in 2016 Erika took the leap and started her own business. She produces small-batch, site-specific wines.

Erika Obermeyer of Erika Obermeyer Wines. Image: Supplied.

“Cabernet has gravitas, structure, complexity. If the grape is treated with respect, it can make wines of great refinement,” notes Erika Obermeyer.

Syrah

Trizanne Signature Wines Syrah. Image: Supplied.

“Life is full of surprises. It’s part of the journey – embrace it all.” – Trizanne Barnard, Trizanne Signature Wines

Trizanne is a well-travelled winemaker, with plenty of experience. In 2008 she started her eponymous brand, and has since focused on two climatically divergent wine regions: Elim and the Swartland. Among her many other successes, she makes a perennially award-winning cool-climate syrah.

Trizanne Barnard, Trizanne Signature Wines. Image: Supplied.

“Syrah has taught me the most. It always amazes me how it thrives in both warm and cool climates,” explains Trizanne Barnard.