WHAT SKILL HAVE YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO DEVELOP?
Be as cool as my Grandfather.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BEST WINES THAT YOU HAVE TASTED?
I would have said 1821 Vin de Constance, but because I can’t choose my own, I would have to say Rayne Vigneau, Sauternes, 1942. An absolutely mind blowing experience.
WHO IS YOUR WINEMAKING HERO, AND WHY?
Didier Dagueneau, he is a legend in the Sauvignon blanc world and was the first person to step out of the conventional Sauvignon banc mentality when making his wines.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FUNNIEST MOMENT IN YOUR JOB?
Watching my cellar workers try to eat sushi for the first time with chop sticks
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE FOOD MATCH TO THE WINES OF KLEIN CONSTANTIA?
Something plain and simple and not over the top, always goes down well
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT YOUR JOB?
The fact that you always have something in common to talk about with anyone because no matter what, everyone has an opinion about wine.
WHAT IS YOUR DREAM HOLIDAY?
Our family has shares in a cottage in the mountains close to Waterfal Boven in Mpumalanga called Coch-Y-Bondhu. It’s the perfect getaway; no electricity, trout for fly fishing, endless walks, huge fireplace and just a great place to get away from everything.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE LOCAL RESTAURANT?
Panama Jacks
WHAT SKILL HAVE YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO DEVELOP?
I've always wanted to learn how to be as cool as my grandfather
WHAT IS YOUR TIPPLE, WHEN NOT DRINKING WINE?
An ice cold Amstel
WHAT IS A GREAT MOMENT FOR YOU?
Opening that first ice cold beer at the end of a rough day
LOOKING BACK, WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST CAREER HIGHLIGHT?
Being fortunate enough to experience different winemaking experiences all over the world, from Barossa, Napa, St Emilion, Pommerol, Sancerre and even Tokaj.
Another highlight was being recognised as one of the top 30 young wine makers in South Africa and then later as one of the top 30 young wine makers in the world.
However, my greatest career highlight is being involved in making the legendary Vin de Constance.
WHAT IS THE SOUTH AFRICAN WINE THAT YOU ADMIRE MOST?
Meerlust Rubicon
WHAT ARE YOUR GUILTY PLEASURES?
Drinking before noon and fast food
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE?
Speaking Afrikaans
WHAT WOULD YOU GRAB IF YOUR PRIVATE CELLAR CAUGHT FIRE?
My corkscrew, I have had it for 10 years now and it has opened some amazing wines. All the good wine has already been drunk; life is too short to save wine.
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE VARIETALS TO WORK WITH?
Cultivars that play by rules and do what they are supposed to, so I must say Sauvignon blanc