Meet the Winemakers of Hemel-en-Aarde: Walter Pretorius from Sumaridge

1. How did you get started in the wine business?

I was lucky enough to get a job as a harvest intern at Sumaridge in 2006 during my gap year.

2. What is your winemaking style?

I always try to reflect the site as best possible.

3. How do you KNOW when you have a particularly good vintage?

Weather conditions throughout the growing year, but grape condition at harvest time is a good indicator. Also the quality of wines of course.

4. What is one of your favorite varietals to work with and why?

Chardonnay & Pinot Noir. The elegance and finesse required to grow and make good wines from these noble varietals. These two keep me on my toes.

5. In the world of wine, who do you most admire and why? Who influenced you?

There’re so many producers around the world that do so many great things that I can’t pick one in particular. I do however admire the ones who manage to significantly reduce their carbon footprint throughout the entire production and also the producers who look after their natural environments. I was influenced by all winemakers I’ve had the privilege of working with and took a little bit from each experience to mould me into the winemaker I am today.

6. Do you have a favorite wine or vintage that you have made?

Sumaridge Chardonnay 2017

7. What is one of the hardest things about winemaking year in and year out?

Deciding when to pick the grapes is always a nerve-wrecking experience for me.

8. What is your most memorable wine or wine tasting experience?

The guided trip through Burgundy with six other winemakers from the Hemel-en-Aarde was priceless. Tastings at Domaine Romanée Conti & Domaine Grivot was most memorable.

9. Do you have a random talent or party trick?

No comment.

(Editor’s note - his colleagues say it is definitely his ability to remain serious in any possible situation!)

10. What has surprised you about being a winemaker?

How much of the world I’ve managed to see because of my occupation.