Winemaker Elize Coetzee lives every day to the full combining her love for science and the outdoors into the captivating art of winemaking.
Elize, who dreamed of becoming a scientist until all the illusions were shattered with her first experiment at university, completed her degree in viticulture and Oenology at the University of Stellenbosch. She joined the Zonnebloem winemaking team as assistant to winemaker of the white wines in 2005 under Deon Boshoff and filled his shoes in 2010 following his promotion to cellarmaster. Commanding the white wine team, Elize's responsibilities include being in charge of all aspects of winemaking such as the production, management and control of maturation at the Zonnebloem cellars in Stellenbosch.
Winemaking is a lifestyle, you need to live it, love it and enjoy it, says Elize, who has a soft spot for Sauvignon Blanc in particular because of all the challenges the grape brings. I love being outdoors in summer and going to work in shorts and a t-shirt. You walk into a shop all sticky and dirty and people wonder whether you work as a mechanic of some sort . I'm also very artistic when it comes to music or art so i love the fact that I can be creative in another way by turning the grapes into wine, explains.
One of the highlights for Ellize since joining Zonnebloem was the launch of the acclaimed Zonnebloem Limited Edition range of wines.
Outside of the cellar, Elize takes care of her beautiful baby boy, giggling teenage girl and loving winemaker husband Wilhelm, with whom she shares a passion for food and wine. As a family, they place great emphasis on spending time together with friends and love camping and the bushveld.
Personal Perspective
Quality and attention to details is everything when it comes to winemaking. There are nos shortcuts when making good wines.