Winemakers On Fire, Issue #81

Greetings from Cape Town, South Africa!

Meet Daniela Jansen, the rising star behind Saronsberg Estate's exceptional wines. Named among the Drinks Business Master Winemakers 2024 Top 100, Daniela's journey began with a teenage epiphany during a family wine farm visit. Today, she's revolutionising winemaking in South Africa's Tulbagh Valley, combining meticulous attention to detail with innovative techniques. From night harvests to experimental blends, her passionate approach is redefining excellence. 

Join us as we explore how this dynamic winemaker transforms Saronsberg's terroir into liquid poetry, one vintage at a time.

"You can try and copy winemaking styles, but you will never be able to recreate a wine from another winery or country because the terroir is different. That's what makes winemaking so interesting."

Let’s dive in!

Over the last few weeks, we’ve been exploring some exciting ideas and concepts around the future of wine and the technology that’s driving innovation in the industry. I’m pleased to announce that we’ve now consolidated these ideas into a dedicated platform: the Terroir 2.0 website.

The Terroir 2.0 website is not just a place to learn about our approach but also a growing hub of resources, conversations, and insights about the fusion of wine and technology. I invite you to visit the site, explore its contents, and join us in this exciting journey.

Visit the Terroir 2.0 website to download our FREE Terroir 2.0 worksheet and uncork your full potential.

A Rising Star in South African Wine: Daniela Jansen of Saronsberg Estate

In the picturesque Tulbagh Valley of South Africa, a remarkable story of passion and dedication unfolds through the work of Daniela Jansen, winemaker at the prestigious Saronsberg Estate. Recently honoured with a place on the Drinks Business Master Winemakers 2024 Top 100 list, Jansen's journey from a teenage wine enthusiast to a globally recognised winemaker exemplifies the perfect blend of talent, determination, and innovative spirit. Her inclusion in this elite group not only recognises her exceptional abilities but also positions her as a beacon within South Africa's dynamic wine industry.

A Calling Discovered Young

For some, finding their life's passion is a lengthy journey. For Daniela Jansen, it was an instant revelation. At just fourteen years old, during a family visit to a wine farm, she experienced what can only be described as love at first sight. "As soon as we drove into the wine farm, I was immediately intrigued," she recalls. "The whole process of how something as simple as a grape can turn into something as complex as wine was just the most fascinating thing." This early enchantment with winemaking set her on a path she would follow with unwavering determination.

Throughout her high school years, Jansen's passion for wine only grew stronger. She immersed herself in research about winemaking, drawn not only to the scientific aspects but also to wine's unique ability to bring people together. "The fact that wine has the potential to bring people from all around the world together just sealed the deal for me," she reflects. This early conviction led her to pursue formal education at Elsenburg Agricultural College, where she would lay the foundation for her future success.

Global Experience, Local Wisdom

After graduating from Elsenburg Agricultural College in 2017, Jansen embarked on an international journey that would shape her winemaking philosophy. Her experiences in Stellenbosch, Napa Valley, and Portugal taught her a fundamental truth about winemaking: while the basics remain constant, it's the nuances of terroir that create truly distinctive wines.

"You can try and copy winemaking styles, but you will never be able to recreate a wine from another winery or country because the terroir is different," she explains. "That's what makes it so interesting." This respect for terroir and natural conditions has become a cornerstone of her winemaking approach at Saronsberg Estate.

The international harvests proved transformative, offering more than just technical knowledge. Working alongside people from diverse backgrounds, tasting previously unknown varieties, and experiencing different approaches to winemaking all contributed to her development. "Working in Napa and Portugal helped me grow as an individual and as a winemaker," she reflects. "You learn so much. You work with people from all around the world, taste wines and varieties you have never heard of, and all of that helps to shape you as a winemaker."

The Art of Attention to Detail

What sets Jansen's winemaking apart is her meticulous attention to detail. Under her guidance, Saronsberg employs a series of carefully orchestrated steps to ensure optimal grape quality. Grapes are harvested during the night to maintain cool temperatures, then force-cooled to 4°C before being hand-sorted by a dedicated team of twenty people. "I firmly believe that it's all the small details along the way in the winemaking process that set us apart," she states.

This commitment to quality extends throughout the entire winemaking process. Her particular love for Shiraz and Rhone-style blends has found a perfect home at Saronsberg, where she can fully express her passion through the estate's flagship wines. The attention to detail in every step of production, from vineyard management to final blending, reflects her unwavering dedication to crafting wines that truly represent their origin.

Embracing Challenges with Innovation

Like all winemakers, Jansen faces significant challenges in her work. The unpredictability of nature keeps her constantly alert and adaptable. Recent harvests in 2023 and 2024 brought unexpected rain, testing her ability to maintain quality under challenging conditions. Economic pressures also present ongoing challenges, particularly in ensuring that quality wines remain accessible to consumers.

Yet Jansen approaches these challenges with creative solutions and an experimental mindset. "Sometimes we like to experiment with different techniques, such as wholebunch/carbonic maceration," she reveals. These small-scale experiments often become valuable blending components in larger productions. One intriguing example is a fortified Shiraz from 2020, still ageing in barrels, which might see release in the coming years.

The process of experimentation is carefully controlled, with new techniques tested on a small scale before being incorporated into larger productions. This balanced approach to innovation allows Saronsberg to maintain its reputation for consistency while continuing to evolve and improve.

Recognition and Gratitude

When news came of her inclusion in the prestigious Drinks Business Master Winemakers 2024 Top 100 list, Jansen's reaction was characteristically humble. "I was a little shocked at first, and then I was just overwhelmed with gratitude," she shares. This recognition not only celebrates her achievements but also validates her dedication to crafting exceptional wines that showcase the unique character of the Tulbagh valley.

Jansen is quick to acknowledge those who have supported her journey, from her family and lecturers to the team at Saronsberg who believed in her vision. This recognition serves not as an endpoint but as motivation to continue pushing boundaries and improving quality.

The Unique Terroir of Tulbagh Valley

Nestled within the Western Cape, the Tulbagh Valley provides an exceptional setting for winemaking. The region's unique combination of climate, soil, and topography creates ideal conditions for producing world-class wines. Saronsberg Estate takes full advantage of these natural gifts, with Jansen's winemaking approach specifically tailored to express the valley's distinctive characteristics in every bottle.

Looking to the Future

As Saronsberg Estate approaches its 21st year of production, Jansen's vision remains focused on growth and quality. Recent plantings of Marsanne, Roussanne, and Verdelho varieties hint at exciting future white wine blends. Her passion for Shiraz continues to drive expansion plans, with hopes to plant more vineyards dedicated to this beloved variety.

The estate's growth is carefully planned to maintain the highest quality standards while expanding production. "We have been producing top-quality wines for almost 21 years, and my main goal is to continue doing so," Jansen emphasises. This commitment to quality, combined with innovative thinking and respect for tradition, positions Saronsberg for continued success.

But perhaps most telling is what Jansen considers the most rewarding aspect of her work: "Seeing people enjoy the wine. All the long hours of harvesting and the sweat of punchdowns are worth it when people enjoy our wines." This simple statement encapsulates both her professional philosophy and personal satisfaction in creating wines that bring joy to others.

In an industry often steeped in tradition, Daniela Jansen represents a new generation of winemakers who balance respect for classical methods with innovative approaches. Her story at Saronsberg Estate is not just about making wine—it's about creating experiences that connect people, honour the land, and celebrate the art of winemaking in all its complexity. As she continues to push boundaries and explore new possibilities, the future of Saronsberg Estate looks as bright as the South African sunshine that nurtures its vines.

Did you miss last week’s newsletter? Last week, we featured Alvi's Drift, where a bridge built in 1930 became more than just a crossing—it became the symbol of a winemaking legacy. Join us as we sit down with Junel van der Merwe, Cape Wine Master and International Brand Ambassador, who shares the fascinating story behind two of South Africa's most respected wines: the elegant Reserve CVC and the acclaimed Reserve Drift Fusion.

From a doctor who dared to dream of winemaking to a third-generation winery pushing boundaries in the global market, discover how Alvi's Drift continues to build bridges between tradition and innovation, one exceptional bottle at a time.

"The bridge is more than a crossing; it's where dreams meet destiny. Like our wines, it represents the courage to take the path less travelled."  Read!

Until next Tuesday, keep your glass full and your taste buds curious.