“My winemaking style is to keep it simple and as true to the earth as possible,” she says. “It’s important to meticulously inspect your vineyards before harvest to see exactly where the
grapes come from. Many of the answers we’re looking for when making good wine comes from nature. You just need to pay attention.
“It takes years and many late nights to perfect a good bottle of wine, but it is so rewarding when the wine exceeds expectations.” A relative newcomer at Babylonstoren, Jeanne was appointed as assistant winemaker in 2021 and is responsible for quality control, to ensure systems are put in place and run efficiently. Her work in the cellar combines many of her passions. “It’s a combination of science, being creative, being in touch with nature and working with people.
I have had the privilege to work with wine industry legends, especially the present company at Babylonstoren.” Her first harvest season was at Kanonkop estate in 2018, after which she spent time learning from the shiraz champions of Hartenberg. Jeanne worked at Benguela Cove in 2020 and 2021, which gave her the opportunity to take part in a harvest in Austria’s wine-producing Wachau Valley. “I enjoy wine (and making wine) for the way it brings people together. It’s such a privilege to be able to physically put a bottle of wine on the table – especially one that I’ve helped create – and enjoy it with family and friends.”