Raised on a grape farm in Rawsonville surrounded by vineyards and neighbouring cellars, destiny has played its hand in Johan’s flourishing career as an awarded winemaker.
Graduating from Elsenburg College with a Diploma in Cellar Technology, Johan cut his teeth in wine and viticulture before joining Spier as a red winemaker in 2007. With Frans Smit as his mentor, Johan learnt and developed his skills as a valued team member while completing a series of targeted leadership courses. Along the way, he has notched up impressive accolades, including the Diners’ Club Winemaker of the Year award in 2011. Today, his passion and focus have expanded to meticulously craft a cellar environment where, just like the best wines, every team member develops to their greatest potential.