Restored to its former beauty, the estate offers visitors a touch of the past and a taste of the future. Their Viticulturalist and Winemaker are both confident and accomplished young women - Rolanie Lotz has been Winemaker at Rhebokskloof since 2007, with Karin Louw as Assistant Winemaker since 2007. Karin was later appointed as Viticulturist in 2010. The top-quality, award-winning and delicious wines they produce are testament to their talent and dedication. For Rolanie, the highlight of her career at Rhebokskloof so far has been the gold medal and fifth place overall received at the 2010 Syrah du Monde International Wine Competition held in France for their Black Marble Syrah 2007, while career highlights for Karin include the vineyard replanting programme at Rhebokskloof which, she enthuses, has been an exciting process to be a part of. Many vineyards at Rhebokskloof are dedicated to Shiraz, which is their flagship wine and continues to produce great quality wine year on year, scooping up awards. Karin’s job entails planning sessions for new vineyards, timely execution of actions pertaining to vineyards that are both in production as well as young vineyards; and ensuring that workers are organised. She still enjoys spending time in the cellar when she has a moment to spare. Rolanies’ time is spent doing a large amount of planning, co-ordinating and management on the farm, including (she says, rather regrettably) some admin, but most enjoyably, “tasting, experimenting with blends, perfecting my technique and getting my hands dirty when I have a chance!” Both these young women grew up on farms in the Western Cape and clearly developed a deep appreciation for quality wine from an early age. For Karin, job satisfaction comes from getting grapes to the cellar in an optimum condition despite all nature’s elements. The accolades that the Estate’s wines achieve give Karin a sense of personal achievement too, she explains. Thus far in her career Rolanie has won a number of trophies, as well as some gold, silver and bronze medals over the years at various competitions, however she emphasises that although these awards signify her natural and growing talent with wine, and are important within the industry, such accolades are not really that important to her. “To me the best satisfaction comes from the appreciation and compliments of those who enjoy my wines,” she admits with a smile. Visit www.rhebokskloof.co.za for more information contact Rhebokskloof Wine Estate or call (021) 869-8386.