She finished high school in Cape Town, after which she went on to study a BSc Agric Viticulture and Oenology at Stellenbosch University. She has completed harvests at various wine farms, including Klein Constantia and Benguela Cove, and a harvest in Oregon, USA, before becoming the Boschendal assistant winemaker.
Dominique’s diligence and attention to detail ensure that every step, from grape selection to fermentation and aging, is executed with excellence, and she stands out as a winemaker because she brings a unique blend of passion, precision, and people skills to her craft. Dominique was recently a finalist in the Diners Club Young Winemaker of the Year awards.
The Avontuur farm is also home to a famous stud farm, so it is a coincidence Dominique has a real passion for all things horse related. She owns her own horse, and she rides in her spare time. “ My riding and learning to communicate with horses (especially mine) have taught me a great deal not only in my sport, but also in facing all sorts of challenges in life”. Dominique’s passion for horses aligns beautifully with her role as the new Avontuur winemaker, a farm that values both winemaking and equestrian excellence.