b'S E C T I O N H E A D E R P R O D U C E R P R O F I L E WA R W I C K E S TAT EWhen did you decide to become a winemaker? Food and wine have been part of my life as long as I can remember, particulary as I grew up in a house that loved wine and my mother is a great cook, who was always experimenting and trying new flavours. When I was 16 my dad took me for a tour of Stellenbosch Universitys viticulture and winemaking department. It was Spring and the University had the most incredible energy about it; the whole building smelt of wine from the experimental cellar in their basement. From that moment I knew I wanted to be part of this. What has been your biggest achievement as a winemaker?I have had a very rewarding career so far with a number of highs and some great awards, including 2014s Young Winemaker of the Year. My biggest achievement has to be last year when I was voted to join the Cape Winemakers Guild, an association of some of South Africas finest winemakers who represent the pinnacle of South African wine achievements. We are developing at a rapid rate with a core focus on Bordeaux varieties.Are there any exciting changes and Are there any other winemakers that havedevelopments taking place at Warwick? inspired you?Last year, Warwick acquired our neighbouring Yes, quite a few from all walks of the industry. Inestate, Uitkyk, and now we are developing at a South Africa guys like Eben Sadie and Chris Alheitrapid rate with a core focus on Bordeaux varieties. have done wonders to find vineyard heritage sitesWe will also see the return of Pinotage and and preserve them. Tegan Passalacqua has donesome new and exciting varieties for Warwick like the same thing in California, USA and of courseSemillon and Cinsault. I cant leave out the old world greats like Angelo Gaia and Giuseppe Rinaldi, producing wines with IMAGES: Opposite page (clockwise from top)South African landscape; Warwick so much character and individuality.Cellarmaster - JD Pretorius, Warwick Estate Vineyards.Fine Wine news from Fells 27'