BONNIE VAN NIEKERK, WINEMAKER: RED WINE
Commanding the red wine team, her newly found responsibilities include being in charge of all aspects of winemaking such as the production, management and control of maturation at the Adam Tas cellar in Stellenbosch.
Whilst studying, Van Niekerk used every opportunity possible to further her knowledge on all aspects of winemaking both locally and abroad. Her stints overseas include gaining experience as cellar assistant at a cellar in Germany whereafter she completed a three month SLVA Oppenheim course in practical winemaking and cellar technology in Oppenheim, Germany. She also assisted the wine team in the marketing department of Guinness in Belfast, Northern Ireland and worked as cellar assistant at the Kendall-Jackson Lakeport Cellar in California. Back on home turf, she helped during the harvest season at Durbanville Hills before joining the Zonnebloem team.
Personal Perspective:
"Striving towards making superb wines of high-quality, the wine industry keeps you on your toes as there is always room for improvement. I thrive on the challenge that each harvest brings, as it signals new beginnings in the cellar where you have to start afresh from scratch and work your magic with what nature gave you to make the best possible wine each year," said Van Niekerk.