“I am a winemaker who believes good wine is made in the vineyard with minimal human intervention. I sincerely believe South Africa offers high quality wines to palates around the globe. My goal is to make an iconic South African white wine.”
For white wine winemaker Kobus Gerber iconic wines present more than just quality. To him it is the conversation such a wine ignites long before its even been made with everyone waiting in anticipation of the final product. Such a wine should tell a story of the unique properties of the vineyard, the handling of the grapes in the cellar and the special touch of the winemaker when crafting the final blend. And he firmly believes that the location of Durbanville Hills’ vineyards with their close proximity to Table Bay, the endless variety of slopes, hills and soil types, is the canvas from which he can produce such a wine.
Kobus is an exceptionally talented winemaker who has won numerous trophies, gold and double gold medals at local and international wine competitions. He grew up in Stellenbosch and developed an early passion for winemaking during many weekends spent with friends on their parents’ wine farms. After two years of compulsory military training, he worked as an assistant-winemaker on an estate outside Stellenbosch. Kobus joined Die Bergkelder team in 1990 and in 2002 took over the white wine production and management of barrel maturation for the range of Fleur du Cap wines and as group winemaker included the internationally award-wining range of Lomond wines in his portfolio. During his tenure Kobus spent two seasons in France, extending his winemaking knowledge and technical abilities. He has served as a tasting panel member on the National Young Wine Show as well as the Wine and Spirits Board, and is a member of the Chenin Blanc Association and the Sauvignon Blanc Interest Group.
At Durbanville Hills he aims to capture the essence of the area’s unique location and to create distinguished wines that showcase their exceptional origin. Although he says he can work magic in the cellar he believes in handling grapes gently to preserve the concentrated, natural flavours that give greater dimension to the wine.
Kobus is an avid cyclist and road-runner and enjoys spending his free time in nature. He loves cooking and rates potjiekos as one of his favourite dishes to prepare for his family and friends and his fridge is never without a couple of bottles of Methodé Cape Classique, white wines and a selection of exotic cheeses. And although he finds pleasure in trying new and interesting styles and blends, you will most often than not find him enjoying a glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Shiraz.