The Vinimark Podcast

In the latest Vinimark Podcast episode, Jono talks to the enigmatic Callie Louw - the custodian, farmer and winemaker at Porseleinberg, about the effects of drought, both in the vineyards, and also in the glass. Whether one is a wine drinker or not, most of us understand that, when it comes to farming,  drought is a bad thing. But wine lovers will know that vines are at their best in marginal environments, where everyday life for the plant is a struggle. This point is never more obvious than when we look at how many of South Africa's most exciting wines come out of some very harsh and dry environments. 2015 - 2017 were some of the driest years on record in the Western Cape, but the 2015 and 2017 vintage were also touted as two of the most exciting vintages of the decade.

In this episode of the Vinimark Podcast, we talk to Rosa Kruger, the founder of the Old Vine Project (OVP) here in South Africa. Rosa shares some fascinating insights, and puts Jono in his place on more than one occasion! They discuss the OVP's exciting new projects, talk about the need for a culture of viticulture and explore the scientific studies that show just how different old vine wines are to their younger counterparts. The discussion touches on the blindtasting of old vine wines, explores consumer behaviour in the sales of old vines, and covers the secret life of vines. Are grape vines sentient? Can vines communicate through the soil? Find out here!

Over the past few decades, consumers have become increasingly aware of the impact their purchases have on their well-being and that of their families and the environment. This has led to a growing demand for products that are sourced, produced, packaged and delivered as sustainably as possible. In the South African wine industry, we've seen this trend manifesting in a number of interesting ways, including the adoption of organic and biodynamic farming practises and the production of organic and natural wines.  The terms and categorisations of these practices and the certification of these products can, however, be somewhat confusing for the consumer. To make some sense of this, we speak to Rudiger Gretschel - Head of Production for Vinimark. 

Welcome to another episode of the Vinimark Podcast. With South Africa currently experiencing regular alcohol sale lockdowns, conversations over non-alcoholic wine, alcohol-free wine, or "de-alcoholised" wine have popped up more than usual. Which has in turn forced wine many die-hard wine lovers to explore some deep, dark, unchartered philosophical territory! They're having to take a look in the mirror, and ask, "would I still love wine if it didn't have the alcohol?" And who would I become if I started drinking it? Would I need to find a new circle of friends and start wearing pleather? Now for many people, the answer has been a flat out, emphatic "No!". For me personally, it was pure curiosity that lead me to take the plunge. I kept asking myself, like, "what is that? Is it even possible to get the alcohol out? And if you can do that, what else do you take with you?" I mean, like, we all learnt from watching Lord of the Rings that if you dabble in the dark arts, it eventually takes it's toll on your soul! So...to demystify it all, I have the privilege of chatting to the Head Wine Maker at Darling Cellars, Pieter-Nel Russouw, and also to Cape Wine Master and Spier Estate senior winemaker Anton Swartz.

Picking up where we left off with our Women in Wine webinar back in October, Vinimark Podcast host Jono Le Feuvre sits down for a conversation with Rose Kruger, winemaker at Stellekaya in Stellenbosch, about the complex web of challenges women in the local wine industry come up against on a regular basis. In this episode, Jono and Rose touch on a number of hurdles the majority of South African women have to clear in order to establish themselves as esteemed wine industry professionals. Apart from the gender gap we unpacked in the last episode with Samantha O'Keefe, economic, racial and age discrimination are also unfortunate realities.   Raised by a single mother in the village of Pniel, 29-year-old Rose is no stranger to all of the above and has been called on to stand strong in her convictions despite many challenges. "One of the big things for me has definitely been discrimination," says Rose. "We all get discriminated against based on our gender. And in my case, my gender and my age." During the 20-minute conversation, Rose shares candidly about her own experience of rising through the wine industry ranks, perfectly illustrating how the 1960s feminist slogan 'the personal is political' still rings true. She highlights how important it is for young girls/women to have strong role models (here she specifically mentions her mother) and mentors to look up to. Despite the challenges she's faced, Rose is clear-eyed about her goals and positive about the future of South African wine. "On a professional level, I would just like to become known for my craft," she says. "And also provide some form of mentorship. Having been a mentee myself, I've seen first-hand how enriching it can be."

Vinimark Podcast host Jono le Feuvre sits down for a candid conversation with Samantha O'Keefe, award-winning winemaker, owner of Lismore Wines, single mother of two teenage sons and all-round legend in the South African wine industry. In this episode, Jono and Samantha delve a little deaper into the reasons why she - as well as many other women in the wine industry - tend to approach the topic of "women in wine" with caution and kid gloves.   

Following on from Vinimark's Online Wine Revolution Webinar, Jono continues chatting to Paul Mabray, Emetry founder and eminent e-commerce authority. This is the second instalment in a two-part conversation about data, sales technology, and why the human connection is still the most important thing to get right.  This second episode explores the importance of listening to your customer, lists top tips on deciphering your social media statistics, and outlines the importance of understanding the difference between customer education and customer engagement.

Host Jono Le Feuvre sits down with Paul Mabray, Emetry founder and eminent e-commerce authority to talk frankly about data, sales technology and why the human connection is still the most important thing to get right.  This episode explores how data insights can never replace a sincere customer-centered approach, but by combining technological advances with genuine customer care, good values will lead to great profits. 

In this episode of The Vinimark Podcast, we sit down with four leading voices from the South African Sommelier Association following their recent Western Cape tour. From Johannesburg to Bloemfontein and beyond, they share what it means to deliver truly memorable service, where knowledge meets warmth, and culture shapes every interaction. Their conversation uncovers the evolving world of South African hospitality: one defined not by pretence, but by people, place, and passion. Together, these sommeliers remind us that excellent service isn't just about what's in the glass; it's about the meaning poured into it.

This episode marks 100 years since the birth of Pinotage, South Africa's most iconic and debated red grape. We're joined by wine writer and historian Emile Joubert for a fascinating exploration of Pinotage's origin story, from Professor Abraham Perold's groundbreaking cross to the cultivar's early identity struggles and eventual global recognition. Emile sheds light on forgotten pioneers, unconventional early wines, and the social and stylistic turning points that shaped Pinotage's reputation. As we look ahead, he also shares his bold take on what it will take for Pinotage to thrive in its next century.

In this latest episode, our host Jono le Feuvre talks to Mark Goldsworthy, Sales Manager at Chene South Africa, about the changing face of barrel use in wine making. Mark has both rich experience and a broad overview of the history and future of wood use in wine, and discusses the status quo as it is around the world, as well as the ingenious innovations that are changing the way people make wine - specifically in South Africa. 

In this episode, Jono chats to Tara Southey, the CEO of Terraclim, a company that provides some veritable space-age insights into the future of viticulture and winemaking in the Cape Winelands. Spoiler - the future is nothing like you imagine!

In this episode, Jono dives into the wild world of wine yeast, along wit the microscopic revolution that's underway!   Our guest is Neil Jolly, a senior microbiologist at Infruitec-Nietvoorbij research station. Neil has spent his life working in the field of wine microbiology, but more specifically in the field of non-Saccharomyces yeasts, and their role in the improvement of wine quality.  

Tim Atkin has just completed his 12th South African Wine Report, including notes on more than 2200 wines.  Jono sat down with Tim to mine out some of the most important themes in the report, including his discovery of exciting new winemakers and positive winemaking trends. Conversely, Tim also shares a few notes where he feels that South African wine could do better.   

In this episode, Jono chats to the supremely eloquent Elleunorah Allsopp, the Senior Researcher at Nietvoorbij Research Farm. Elleunorah shares the fascinating history of how the vine parasite Phylloxera conquered the world, and why no one is safe just yet…!

In this episode, Jono chats to Johan Reyneke; owner of Reyneke Wines, and pioneer in biodynamic viticulture in South Africa.   The episode is primarily concerned with the fascinating world of bio-solutions in viticulture, but as so often happens when Johan is involved, the topics spread both broader and deeper; touching on the philosophy of science, the economics of animals in viticulture, and the need to restore a holistic view of farming.

In this episode of the Vinimark Podcast, we interview Nadia Hefer - the driving force behind the Old Vine Project's brand new digital education platform.   Nadia discusses the history of the Old Vine Project, the keys to their success, and the incredible scientists and experts they've met along the way. She unpacks a little of the new course's curriculum and touches on the role of hard science in support of the Old Vine Initiative, silencing the critics.  

In this episode of the Vinimark Podcast, we explore the future of grape farming in the South African Winelands and discuss how vignerons can adapt to the challenges posed by climate change and drought. Our guest, viticulturist Jaco Engelbrecht, founder of Visual Viticulture and consultant to esteemed producers like Eben Sadie and Weltevreden, offers insights on strategies for future-proofing the wine industry. Jaco is also a key member of The Horsemen Wines team, a winemaking project that focuses on cultivating grape varietals that are better suited for the "apocalyptic times" brought on by climate change.

Following on from a successful CapeWine 2022, we met up with Wines of South Africa CEO, Siobhan Thompson, to unpack the strategy behind its theme of "Sustainability 360". Siobhan also shares some of her thoughts on the challenges facing South African wine on a global scale and gives her insight on the areas in which South African wine can grow and shine. 

Just moments before the historic Tim Atkin 95+ point wine tasting in Cape Town, Jono got to sit down with Tim Atkin to discuss a full decade of Tim's South African Wine Reports.  This podcast includes Tim's highlights of the year, and what excites him for the future of South African wine. Points discussed in this episode include the state of South African wine in global markets, the future of Syrah in the country, and the need for vignerons to begin future-proofing against climate change.