WINEMAKING

Inimitable terroir and progressive viticultural practices are the foundation of great wine at Haskell, but it is only when these factors are combined with the artistry of one of South Africa's most lauded winemakers that our wines find their complete expression.

Rianie Strydom is the first and only cellar master to reside over the Haskell cellar. After completing her oenology studies at Stellenbosch University in 1993, Rianie then became winemaker at Morgenhof Estate until 2003.

During this time she also worked vintage in France in 1996 and 1998, expanding her winemaking horizons and furthering her understanding of the notion of terroir and its relationship to wine style.

Since arriving at Haskell Vineyards in 2005, Rianie has crafted numerous award winning wines, culminating with the creation of the Haskell Pillars Syrah 2007, which won Best Red Wine and Best Wine of Show in the Tri–Nations Challenge 2009 against Australia and New Zealand. Significantly, this was the first time in the history of this prestigious competition that a South African wine had won.

Rianie is an unapologetic fan of the Bordeaux varieties, and harbours a life long ambition to produce a Bordeaux blend in South Africa that rivals the greatest of those produced in the Medoc.

Wikus Pretorius – Winemaker and GM

After graduating from the University of Stellenbosch, Wikus embarked on a winemaking odyssey that saw him work vintages in California, France, Corsica and Australia before returning to South Africa to put his new found knowledge to good use.

As well as being an integral part of the production process, Wikus also takes responsibility for managing the estate vineyards.