In Conversation with Melanie van der Merwe

How did your journey into the wine industry begin, and what inspired you to become a winemaker?

I grew up on a farm in the Hexrivier Valley. My dad was a grape farmer, and the vines always intrigued me. I loved the soil and what it eventually produced in the grapes. I first thought I would love to farm, but during my studies at Stellenbosch University, I realised that you can produce such beautiful products from the grapes themselves. I went to work in France and fell in love with the making of Champagne-style wines. So 30 years later, it’s still the love of my life.

What is a personal passion or hobby outside of winemaking that helps you stay inspired in your work?

I love nature, so I walk, snow ski, mountain bike and jog.

What has been the most rewarding moment in your winemaking journey so far?

When my late Uncle Fanie Malan from Allesverloren came to congratulate me after I won my first Double Gold Award at Veritas, as I was then employed as the winemaker, he was not convinced I could make wine or work in a cellar (I am not the tallest person around…and very feminine). When I released my own MCC, I was phoned by WineMag to say they were more than impressed with my wine and gave it a very high rating.

What advice would you offer to young women interested in pursuing a career in winemaking or viticulture?

You have to love nature, as it changes every year; believe in yourself and embrace the people around you. You don’t need to be the strongest person around; just work cleverly and don’t be shy about asking for help.

Who in the wine world has inspired you, and what qualities do you think are key to succeeding in this industry?

My Late professor, Eben Archer, was passionate about the vine. Prof. Jool van Wyk believed in me, and then the Chef du Cave of Louis Roederer Champagne was my MCC mentor. Be passionate, stay up to date with developments in winemaking techniques, and you must love the job.

Do you think there are specific challenges women face in the South African wine industry? If so, what are they?

I really cannot complain, as I had entered the industry as the first woman winemaker employed by a major company. I knew what I wanted to do and what my goals were, which did help a lot. I invented new styles of MCC that numerous other companies still manufacture. I have had only one bad experience during my entire winemaking career, but as I have been in the industry for 32 years, that is not something I wish to mention or consider a concern to me.

What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your career, and how did you overcome them?

To be able to set up a budget, especially on the capital side, and to make sure it will be for the better. Personally, it was challenging for me as a mom to work long hours away from home. So, I decided to resign from my first job, which I loved so much, but I knew I was a wife and mom first, and then it was my job. So the Lord gave me my own personal wine to make, which is eventually much more rewarding than working for a big company.

What role do you believe South African wines play in the global wine industry, and how do you see it evolving?

As South African producers, we do play an enormous role in the global wine industry. We produce extremely good wine that is recognised worldwide. MCC Style wine exports have grown remarkably in the past few years and continue to grow, offering wines at more affordable prices with the same quality as French Champagne. The longevity of our wines has also improved, and they continue to improve with age. All because of better wine practices. If you make quality win,e you will always be able to be competitive.

Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for the future of your wine brand, and what role do you hope to play in shaping the future of the South African wine industry?

I recently launched a third wine in my Tanzanite Brand. I will always strive to improve the quality and develop my personal brand style.