Our Winemaker - Stephan Smit
Judging by the fact that we seldom see Welmoed winemaker Stephan Smit as he’s always very hard at work in the cellar, we can vouch for Welmoed’s distinctive, carefully crafted wines.
As a result of the passion with which Stephan approaches his craft, it’s little wonder that the Welmoed range has established and maintained an outstanding reputation for quality, value-for-money wines.
Stephan completed a B.Sc Agric in Viticulture and Oenology at Stellenbosch University in 2000 and worked as an assistant winemaker at Franschhoek vineyards before graduating to senior winemaker, and then becoming an asset to Welmoed in 2005.
We convinced Stephan to emerge from the cellar for a few seconds for a quick Q&A:
What does your job entail?
I manage the Welmoed cellar and am also responsible for producing wines that align with the requirements of different target markets.
How would you describe your winemaking style?
It depends largely on the target market, but generally, I enjoy creating easy-drinking wines with good varietal fruit. I also prefer single varietals wines as opposed to blends.
What are your winemaking goals?
I’d love to manage a successful wine company and also achieve some accolades and awards along the way, although I must admit, I’m not too fussed about awards as long as consumers enjoy the product and the brand grows from strength to strength.
What’s the first thing you do once the harvest is complete?
I try to get away and spend some time with my wife.
What’s your favourite drink?
Sauvignon Blanc or Stella Artois
What do you drink when you are not drinking your own wines?
Probably Muratie Shiraz or one of Ken Forrester’s products, but I’m genuinely a big fan of our Welmoed wines and there is always some of this at home.
Which food and wine would you have for your “Last Supper”?
Definitely a good quality piece of steak with our Cabernet Sauvignon, decanted about 24 hours before it is paired with the steak.
If you were trying to impress someone, what wine would you open?
A bottle of Kumkani Cradle Hill (one of our company’s other brands) as it is truly one of the best red wines ever.