How many years have you been in the wine industry?

2020 represents my 8th year in the industry as a winemaker.

Why did you decide to become a winemaker?

It is one of the few industries that intertwines science and art to such a degree where you need both to flourish. For all the intricacies of the biological systems that we work with and chemical interactions you have to be aware of the final touch that makes a wine great, comes from the inspiration and talent of the winemaker.

Your proudest moment while being a winemaker?

Being able to launch the first Therona cultivar wine in South Africa (and the world). It represented the culmination of 3 years of hard work and research. Hopefully, it is only the start for the many undiscovered South African wine cultivars.

Most memorable harvest and why?

My first harvest, just the excitement of working in a cellar for the first time and doing what you love. I remember standing alone in the cellar well past midnight one evening and thinking ‘’Wow I am getting paid to make wine, this is awesome.’’

What stood out for you in the 2020 harvest?

It started a bit earlier than expected and as a happy bonus was larger than expected! We also had no cloudy and cold days during harvest which I believe is a good sign for the 2020 red wines.

How do you relax in your off time?

I am either in the garden or in the kitchen trying new recipes.

What career would you have chosen, if not winemaking?

I would probably be a farmer, I just love nature and being outdoors.

What is your favorite dish and what SV wine would you be enjoying it?

Nothing goes better with a slow-roasted lamb rib on the braai than a glass of Stellenbosch Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon.

Do you prefer cork or screwcap?

I just love the sound of a cork being pulled out of a bottle of wine!

What is your winemaking goal for the future?

I want to promote the indigenous cultivars of South Africa and showcase our authentic South African wine styles and terroirs. We have so much more to offer than your ordinary Bordeaux or Burgundy clones!

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How many years have you been in the wine industry?

My first harvest was in 2000 as a student, however, I have working permanently from 2005, thus a total of 15 years.

Why did you decide to become a winemaker?

I was hooked since my first sip of wine. It was so interesting, all unique smells and flavours that I picked up from that glass. I was curious about how it got there and I wanted to know more. I love nature and winemaking is one of a very few careers where you can take raw material (the grapes) and add your personality in the process to create a final product. It’s always a special experience to enjoy that final bottle with family and friends.

Your proudest moment while being a winemaker?

There have been so many, but the one that certainly stands out is when we received our first five star Platter rating.

Most memorable harvest and why?

The 2010 vintage for two reasons. It was my first vintage as senior winemaker at Stellenbosch Vineyards and the Chenin Blanc 2010 won a Double Gold at the Veritas awards!

What stood out for you in the 2020 harvest?

The harvest was larger than expected and the quality was very good. I am sure this will go down as one of the best quality vintages in South Africa over the past 20 years.

How do you relax in your off time?

I drive to the beach and spend time surfing or play a round of golf.

What career would you have chosen, if not winemaking?

A professional golfer, if I had the talent!

What is your favourite dish and what SV wine would you be enjoying with it?

Spicy Italian sausage, peppadews and avocado pizza with our Stellenbosch Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc. Simply delicious!

Do you prefer cork or screwcap?

Screwcap – it’s just easier.

What is your winemaking goal for the future?

To push the boundaries even more and in an unrelenting search to improve in my wines and ultimately one day create the perfect wine.

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How many years have you been in the wine industry?

I completed my Honours degree in winemaking in 2003 at Stellenbosch University and have been working in the wine industry since 2004.

Why did you decide to become a winemaker?

My grandfather owned a wine farm in Stellenbosch and my father is a viticulturist so I count myself lucky to have been brought up in a wine environment.  I still fondly remember the times we drove with my grandfather with a full load of grapes to the winery. To me, it was the ultimate experience and a memory I will always cherish dearly. The progression to becoming a winemaker was natural and something that I felt very passionate about.

Your proudest moment while being a winemaker?

In 2017, we won the ABSA Top Ten Pinotage award for our Stellenbosch Vineyards Bushvine Pinotage. It was something that we had worked really hard for and it was great to be rewarded for our all our time and efforts.

Most memorable harvest and why?

I remember the 2015 vintage for its quality wines and the 2014 vintage just for its sheer size. It felt as if the grapes didn’t stop coming in and pushed our winery to its limit.

What stood out for you in the 2020 harvest?

This is our first normal harvest after the three-year drought in the Western Cape.  The quality of the grapes looks very promising and the volumes are also back up to where it should be.

How do you relax in your off time?

I love spending time with my wife and three-year-old son, who I may add, is now at an age where he just loves everything his dad does.

What career would you have chosen, if not winemaking?

I have a keen interest in the business side of the wine industry so definitely something in that direction.

What is your favourite dish and what SV wine would you be enjoying with it?

One of my fondest memories is enjoying the Arniston Bay Sauvignon Blanc Semillon in Arniston on the beach with freshly caught crayfish on a perfect Autumn day. That was beyond sublime.

Do you prefer cork or screwcap?

I may be a little old fashioned so I prefer cork for my reds and screwcap for my whites.

What is your winemaking goal for the future?

The one great thing about winemaking is that you are always looking to the future knowing that the building blocks put in place now, will only be rewarded in the coming years.  Ultimately I would like to create more memorable wines and continue to build successful brands for our industry.

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Meet our Sales manager for Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands, Billy Martin; who has been with us since 2015.

Tell us more about your job?

I am responsible for the sales and marketing into Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands, taking charge of these territories and working with the agents within these markets. My job is to ensure that the route to market for our brands are done effectively within Africa, whereby the bottom line is to make profit for the business.

What is your favourite thing about working at Stellenbosch Vineyards?

• I work with a great product.
• I work with great people.
• I get to travel in the African market and the Indian Ocean Islands.
• By traveling you get to meet great people, you eat some good food and drink good wine. And at the end of the day you still get a pay-cheque in your bank account.

What is your definition of success?

Success for me is achieving what you set out to do. It may come in different forms and different ways depending on how you are wired. You will have success brought to you in many different ways, but at the end of the day: success breeds success. You will always strive to do better, maybe chasing the Holy Grail at the end of the day, but that will keep you building on the successes you have already achieved.

What is the most interesting place you have been?

Lagos, Nigeria.

Lagos is a mega city of 22 million people and it’s amazing to see how they operate. From the infrastructure, to the transport, to the people. It is a great city: bustling, moving and fast-paced. I think it’s a really interesting place especially in the world of wine.

What is your favourite Stellenbosch Vineyards product?

Currently, my favourite is the Stellenbosch Vineyards Credo Shiraz. Last year it was the Stellenbosch Vineyards Credo Shiraz Merlot Viognier. So, it varies, but I think the Credo range for me is really great. It is a great food wine. At this stage, the Stellenbosch Vineyards Credo Shiraz really stands out for me.

Watch our interview with Billy below:

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If you wish to make contact with Billy, you can contact him at billym@stellvine.co.za or call +27 21 881 3870.

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