Pieter Terblanche

Pieter Terblanche feels strongly about Swartland Winery and wants to increase the cellar's market share. But he also wants to finally bury all the wrong perceptions about the winery.

Pieter Terblanche feels strongly about Swartland Winery and wants to increase the cellar's market share. But he also wants to finally bury all the wrong perceptions about the winery.

"It is great to be working with such a well-known brand with over 50 years of history in the South African market. I see great potential in the global market and we are already putting in place the necessary strategies and structures to introduce the 'new' market driven Swartland Winery to the rest of the world. Our focus is on growing our current business and, of course, to develop new markets. Much has already been done in this regard. The emphasis will now even more be on wine quality and price to create a healthy balance between our different brands."

Terblanche grew up in the Free State, went to Grey College in Bloemfontein and then studied marketing and hotel management. His career started out in the FMCG field where he was involved in sales for 12 years, and during this time he also played rugby for Boland. He entered the wine industry in 2007 as marketing manager for Douglas Green Bellingham (DGB) where he was responsible for various brands such as Tall Horse, Douglas Green, Johannisberger and Sains Wines. On February 1 this year he left Boschendal near Franschhoek for Swartland Winery because "I believe there are many opportunities and I look forward to the new challenge".

Terblanche is married to Ronel and they have three children, 10 year old twins Pierre and Marlize, and fourteen year old Anthony.