Words by Malu Lambert
Chenin Blanc
“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.
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
“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.
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
“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.
“My palate was shaped by all the great chardonnays I tasted while at Hamilton Russell,” says Berene Sauls.
Pinotage
“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.
“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
“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.
“Cabernet has gravitas, structure, complexity. If the grape is treated with respect, it can make wines of great refinement,” notes Erika Obermeyer.
Syrah
“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.
“Syrah has taught me the most. It always amazes me how it thrives in both warm and cool climates,” explains Trizanne Barnard.
