1. Can you share the story of how you first became interested in wine and the world of wine.

My journey into the world of wine started when my mother, Theodora, had the fortuitous encounter with a famous wine personality of the Champagne region, André Simon, in the 1960s. He was visiting the Cape during our summers and they met while she was teaching at Silwood School of Cookery in Cape Town. 

My mother was inspired by his passion for great food and wine as a way to bring people together to enjoy life, and upon my return from military service at the age of 20, she suggested that I work in a wine cellar and learn about viniculture and oenology. This motherly suggestion planted a seed that came to be a lifelong love of creating wines that bring people together, my raison d’etre [reason for being].

2. Your journey in the wine industry led you to become the Cellar Master at Boschendal. What pivotal experiences or lessons did you gain during your time there that shaped your approach to the production of wine?

Working as the Cellar Master at Boschendal allowed me to explore the secluded valleys of the Cape Winelands. During my time at Boschendal, I learned the importance of terroir and how it influences the grapes’ characteristics. This experience deeply shaped my wine philosophy, emphasising the harmony of Sun, Soil, Vine, and Man in creating exceptional wines. The quality of wine begins in the vineyards – and this is honed in the cellar by a master’s hands. 

This is how I understand the world of wine and this ultimately led me to Franschhoek where I saw immense potential in the soils of Haute Cabrière and so these vineyards were to be my tour de force and life’s work. 

3. Haute Cabrière is known for pioneering wines in South Africa. Could you tell us more about the challenges and innovations involved in creating quality pioneering blends?

Pioneering new wines in South Africa is indeed a challenge. Haute Cabrière, from the beginning, was always going to be dedicated to classic Champagne varietals – Chardonnay and Pinot Noir – and to utilising the unique cool conditions of our region. 

A new blend or pioneering wine begins either as an idea and something we strive for, such as the first South African Chardonnay and Pinot Noir Cap Classique I produced while at Boschendal, or it can be a result of ingenuity, as was the case for the Haute Cabrière Chardonnay Pinot Noir. Either way, the process involves rigorous attention to detail, the ability to overcome challenges, and most importantly – a dedicated team which supports the vision and strives for it together. 

4. Pierre Jourdan Brut, your traditional Champagne-style Cap Classique, has been a significant milestone in your career. What inspired you to create this particular wine, and how has it evolved over the years?

I had the good fortune to enjoy exquisite wines from the Champagne region in the company of André Simon when I was younger. Inspired by this, the Pierre Jourdan Brut Cap Classique was the realisation of my dream to create a quality South African Cap Classique that could stand proudly alongside the Champagne Houses in France. 

This was the first wine we released as a new estate in 1986. It was named for the original proprietor of the land, Pierre Jourdan, in keeping with French tradition and to honour the Hugenouts who brought the culture of wine to the Cape. Over the years, we’ve continued to refine and evolve this exceptional wine, as well as grow the Pierre Jourdan range into a beautiful and dynamic collection of Cap Classiques.