Meet the Winemakers of Hemel-en-Aarde: Christo Kotze from La Vierge

1. How did you get started in the wine business?

I grew up in the Helderberg and was always surrounded by vineyards. From a young age I always found vineyards fascinating and I knew I wanted to work with them for a living.

2. What is your winemaking style?

My style is to make clean site-specific wines.

3. How do you KNOW when you have a particularly good vintage?

Everything just seems to be easy… and it all works out as planned with no drama.

4. What is one of your favorite varietals to work with and why?

Chardonnay. I just love the versatility of the varietal and the way it expresses itself.

5. In the world of wine, who do you most admire and why? Who influenced you?

Two people, the first is Coenie Snyman who taught me the basics during my first vintage at Rust en Vrede. And the second is Kevin Grant from Ataraxia who was my mentor during my first solo harvest. I admire them both because they are both very successful wine makers and they taught me to keep things simple but also to have the confidence to back yourself.

6. Do you have a favorite wine or vintage that you have made?

The 2018 vintage was quite special for me seeing as it was my first one in charge on my own.

7. What is one of the hardest things about winemaking year in and year out?

The lack of sleep.

8. What is your most memorable wine or wine tasting experience?

Travelling Burgundy with some of the H&A guys in May/June 2019 and getting the chance to visit and taste Romanee-Conti.

9.Do you have a random talent or party trick?

I can sabrage a bottle of bubbly using only a wineglass.

10.. What has surprised you about being a winemaker?

The admin… loads and loads of admin.