Wines of South Africa Archives

Liz Palmer’s Exclusive Interview with Jamie Williams of Nederburg Wines, SA + Wine Tasting Notes

Jamie Williams’s career in winemaking began a decade ago with an internship in the laboratory and cellar at Die Bergkelder, the home of Fleur du Cap Wines in Stellenbosch. This opportunity followed her graduation with a Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology from Stellenbosch University. Her passion for viticulture and oenology deepened in 2016 during a harvest season in Napa, California, where she gained valuable international experience. Williams further honed her skills through multiple harvests across the Stellenbosch District while also working in wine tasting rooms and sales to broaden her industry knowledge. In 2018, her dedication and expertise led to her appointment as assistant winemaker at Nederburg Wines , marking a significant milestone in her professional journey. Jamie is now Winemaker of White and Rose wines at Nederburg Wines.

Liz Palmer: Which influential women in the wine industry have inspired you throughout your journey?

Jamie Williams: I am very blessed to have worked with mostly women winemakers for the past 10 years! Andrea Freeborough who is the Head of winemaking for Heineken Beverages and Elmarie Botes who was the winemaker at Nederburg Wines when I started at Nederburg as an assistant, and both of whom I still work very closely with, has molded me into the winemaker I am today. Shaina Harding, winemaker at Hunnicutt Wines where I worked at in Napa Valley has shown me how tough women can be when working physically in the cellar and nothing is ever too heavy or difficult to do as a woman in the cellar, working with mostly men.

Liz Palmer: Could you share a particularly memorable experience or achievement in your illustrious career?

Jamie Williams: My most recent achievement winning Gold at the Drinks Business Global Sauvignon blanc Masters for the Nederburg Winemaster’s Sauvignon blanc 2024. Only one of 2 South African Wines to achieve Gold in that category.

Liz Palmer: Congratulations !!

Liz Palmer: What recent technological innovations have you and your team integrated into your winemaking process?

Jamie Williams: At Nederburg, we have always tried to maintain being a leader in innovative winemaking techniques. My approach this year, however, was taking it back to the past. We played around with some skin contact old vine Chenin Blanc in Amphorae clay pots that we have imported from Italy. On the analytical side we are sending our wines for sensory analysis and benchmarking how we are faring vs our competitors and what the consumer wants. Most of our wines are also vegan and vegetarian-friendly.

Liz Palmer: How do you ensure sustainability and uphold environmental responsibility in your vineyard and winery operations?

Jamie Williams: Nederburg Wines is IPW (Integrated Production of Wines) compliant, meaning we are fully traceable with production integrity of our wines we craft. We have also earned WWF Conservation Champion status, thanks to our water and energy conservation measures. On the farm we have also planted Grenache and Carignan which are drought-resistant varieties to combat climate change. Our delicate and sophisticated Winemaster’s Grenache Carignan Rose is made from these grapes.

Liz Palmer: What are your perspectives on the No and Low Alcohol Wine Revolution, and how has your wine estate adapted to this burgeoning movement?

Jamie Williams: As a winemaker, No and Low alcohol wine is not much used in my vocabulary as there is so much, chemically and sensorially, that alcohol brings to wine and to strip that away makes the wine not as beautiful as what you initially crafted. However, being a mom to currently 2 toddler boys, it is difficult for me to consume a bottle of wine with an alcohol of 13.5% or higher as my boys keep me on my toes. After 2 glasses I am done! This is why I understand the need for lower alcohol wines for enjoyment that will last longer. At Nederburg we have experimented with low alcohol wines in the cellar, but nothing in the bottle.

Liz Palmer: How do you and your team stay abreast of the latest trends and advancements in the wine industry?

Jamie Williams: We do constant benchmark tastings to ensure that we are abreast of our competitors. I also love to attend seminars where suppliers will offer their latest technology and hearing from other winemakers what has worked for them. The South African wine industry is very tight knit!

Liz Palmer: What advice would you offer to young women aspiring to enter the wine industry?

Jamie Williams: Be prepared to face challenges in this male dominated industry. I have been blessed enough to work with mostly women which made it easier for me to delve in, but I still faced challenges. Always work hard and believe in yourself. I have been told by another winemaker whom I looked up to that I will never be a winemaker. Those words just motivated me even more to prove them wrong. Always have God at the center and a good support system at home.

Wine Tasting Notes

Nederburg Heritage Heroes “The Brew Master” 2020

This is a wine of remarkable depth and refinement. Its dark ruby hue sets the stage for a sensory journey, with aromas of ripe blueberries and luscious black cherries intertwined with nuances of tobacco leaf, dark chocolate, with hints of spice. On the palate, the wine reveals a harmonious tannin structure, offering complexity and layers that unfold elegantly with every sip. Its long, enduring finish leaves an indelible impression of sophistication.

Crafted from a masterful blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (64%), Petit Verdot (18%), Cabernet Franc (11%), Merlot (4%), and Malbec (3%), this wine is matured for 29 months in French and American oak, delivering a robust, fruit-forward character. With its powerful presence and rich fruit profile, Nederburg “The Brew Master” is a true expression of excellence.

Liz Palmer
92 Points

“Winemasters” Chardonnay Nederburg 2022

This wine is a testament to Nederburg’s dedication to crafting elegant and expressive wines. This Chardonnay showcases a vibrant and lively character, with aromas of honeyed apples and crisp citrus zest that leap from the glass. On the palate, it reveals a refreshing steely acidity, beautifully balanced by a creamy texture and subtle citrus and apricot. The wine’s texture is both clean and rounded, offering a harmonious interplay of freshness and richness.

Liz Palmer
91 Points

Happy Birthday, SA Wine! Celebrating 366 Years of Winemaking Excellence

South Africa Wine is excited to announce the “Happy Birthday SA Wine” campaign, a celebration from January through February to celebrate the South African wine industry’s official birthday on February 2nd. This campaign invites wine lovers, producers, retailers, and industry stakeholders worldwide to celebrate South Africa’s rich winemaking heritage.

South Africa is unique among wine-producing countries in that it knows the exact date of the inception of its wine industry: February 2, 1659.

This campaign encourages the wine community to participate.. “We call upon the entire wine industry, tourism sector, local and international partners, and wine enthusiasts to join us in this celebration,” says Basson. “Together, let’s raise a glass to South African wine’s past, present, and future.”

“Our vision is to create an annual celebration that honours this heritage and promotes the spirit of South African wine,” says Rico Basson, CEO of South Africa Wine. “We want to raise awareness both local and global about the contributions of South African wine to the world and to encourage a sense of pride and connection within the industry and among consumers.”

Join South Africa Wine in this vinous voyage, as they honour the traditions, celebrate the innovations, and toast to a future filled with exceptional South African wines!

Concours Mondial de Bruxelles Launches “South Africa Selection by CMB” 17 to 20 September in Cape Town

One of the world’s largest and most respected wine and spirits competitions, the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles (CMB), launched last week a national competition for South Africa under the global CMB brand “South Africa Selection by CMB.” The inaugural edition will open for entries on 1 June, with judging scheduled to take place from 17 to 20 September in Cape Town.

Says Quentin Havaux, CMB’s CEO, “To head up the new South Africa Selection by CMB, we have appointed Lorraine Immelman, who has founded and run two successful wine and spirits competitions in South Africa since 1997. With almost 30 years of experience in the international wine and spirits competition business, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our team.”

Following the success of the Sauvignon Selection by CMB in March 2023 – known as the Concours Mondial du Sauvignon at that time – the decision was taken to establish a national competition in South Africa in 2024.

Quentin continues, “Our vision for the South Africa Selection is three-fold:

1. to develop a national wine and spirits competition which is powered by the well-recognized Concours Mondial de Bruxelles;
2. to create a synergy in South Africa which will promote the country’s wines and spirits to local consumers, and
3. to create new platforms for the promotion of South African wines and spirits in world markets.”

Global Exposure on Local Soil
“Amidst a seeming flood of recent new wine competitions, I believe that South Africa right now needs a global wine and spirits competition of the stature and international significance of Concours Mondial de Bruxelles,” says Lorraine.

CMB offers entrants true value for their entry fees, including:
personalised, usable feedback from the judging panels on every product entered and tasted. This includes an Aroma Wheel generated by AI and a detailed analysis with actionable insights to support marketing campaigns.

CMB’s judges represent a mixture of the best local and international experts including buyers, journalists, oenologists and hospitality representatives, who add real marketing support for awarded products.

A Wine and Spirits Experience by CMB concept has been developed with the opening of Wine Bars and Wine Corners in cities and airports around the world (including Mexico City and Tokyo). These tasting venues are exclusively dedicated to CMB medal-winning products from all competitions and sessions.

The CMB media team gives exposure to awarded products at international wine shows such as Prowein, Wine Paris-Vinexpo, Vinitaly and Guiyang.

The South Africa Selection team will focus on the sustained promotion of winning cellars and sponsors through a dedicated media campaign to promote our winners locally. CMB also adheres to the strict competition rules set forth by the European Union, as well as all CMB competitions and selections are meticulously audited by the Service Public Fédéral belge de l’Economie (SPFE).

“CMB aims to be the most prestigious and the most rigorous wine competition in the world. What we want is to be the most reliable wine competition for producers and also for consumers,” says Quentin Havaux. “We look forward to bringing this competition to your beautiful country, and giving South Africa’s fine wines and spirits a more global presence.”

The inaugural South Africa Selection by CMB opens for entries on 1 June, with the judging taking place from 17 – 20 September in Cape Town.

For more information and entry details, please visit our website, Facebook and Instagram page:
southafricaselection.com/

www.facebook.com/southafricaselection/href=”

http://www.instagram.com/saselectioncmb/”>www.instagram.com/saselectioncmb/

For enquiries please feel free to contact Lorraine directly on southafricaselection@vinopres.com or lorraine.immelman@vinopres.com

De Waal – Top of the Hill Pinotage

The De Waal Wine Farm is located on Uiterwyk Estate in the cool Stellenbosch Kloof Valley, which has been in De Waal family since 1864. Currently owned by Pieter de Waal, this historic family has been making wine for nine generations. De Waal is renowned for the classic style of its Pinotage wines, the only indigenous South African grape variety.

Did you know?

CT de Waal was the first winemaker in South Africa to make wine from Pinotage grapes in 1941.

And,

De Waal Wine Farm is the home of Top of the Hill Pinotage, which is made from the world’s oldest Pinotage vines.

2023 Michelangelo International Wine and Spirits Awards

I’m en route to Stellenbosch, South Africa to participate as a judge in the 2023 Michelangelo International Wine and Spirits Awards. I look forward to meeting the esteemed panel of international judges for judging week which will be taking place from July 24th to 28th, 2023.

The judges are comprised of selected wine and spirits experts hailing from five different continents, in which we will be employing the internationally recognized 100-point system, and using the blind judging approach.

This year we will be judging at the stunning Lourensford Wine Estate, which is in the heart of the historical winelands of Somerset West. Spanning over 4,000 hectares of lush forest, fynbos, fruit orchards and sprawling vineyards, it is set against the stunning backdrop the Helderberg Mountains, caressed by breezes off the Atlantic Ocean.

Stay tuned for some more updates!