Winemakers On Fire, Issue #99

Welcome to this week's edition of Winemakers On Fire! 

Friends, our wine world is ablaze with beautiful contradictions! This week, we're celebrating the exhilarating dance between tradition and innovation that's transforming our industry.

From young mavericks like Mika Engelbrecht (2024 Diners Club Young Winemaker of the Year) embracing organic practices with fierce dedication to creative designers like Gaspar Costa who breathe life into wine labels that tell stories worth collecting.

We'll also raise a glass to Daniela Jansen, who's earned her spot on the Drinks Business Master Winemakers 2025 Top 100 list for the second consecutive year. Passion and authenticity flow as freely as a good Chenin Blanc!

"An artist is someone who uses bravery, insight, creativity, and boldness to challenge the status quo." - Seth Godin

Let’s dive in.

Wine’s Beautiful Evolution: Where Passion Meets Authenticity.

In the wine industry, something magical is happening right now—a thrilling dance between old and new that’s reshaping everything we thought we knew about wine. I’m seeing tradition and innovation collide in ways that make my wine-loving heart race!

Have you noticed the wave of young winemakers shaking things up? These brilliant mavericks are the living embodiment of that age-old wisdom to “follow your passion.” What excites me most is watching them embrace organic practices and sustainability with such fierce dedication. They’re crafting wines that don’t just taste extraordinary—they honour the very soil and vines that birthed them. There’s something profoundly authentic about their recognition that great wine begins with respecting nature’s intelligence.

And it's not just happening in the vineyard! Creative designers are bringing fresh energy to wine packaging and visuals that practically leap off the shelf. We're witnessing some particularly bold experimentation here. These designers aren't just making pretty labels—they're challenging conventions while still nodding respectfully to wine's rich heritage. It's impossible not to feel a spark of inspiration when you see this blend of artistic daring and viticultural tradition.

This evolution reminds me of the Holstee Manifesto (remember that viral sensation?). Though not specifically about wine, its message about authentic living resonates deeply with what’s happening in our industry. “Live your dream and share your passion,” it proclaimed—something any winemaker would raise a glass to!

The manifesto’s core message serves as the perfect reminder that when we pursue our passions with integrity—whether growing grapes on a sun-baked hillside or reimagining how wine connects with new generations—we create ripples that extend far beyond ourselves. And isn’t that exactly what great wine has always done?

The beautiful truth is that when passion and authenticity flow as freely as a good Chenin Blanc, something truly special happens. At its heart, wine has always been about connecting people and sparking meaningful conversations across tables and borders alike. These bottles we cherish aren’t just vessels of fermented grape juice—they’re catalysts for human connection. And I’ll drink to that any day!

The Art of Design: Gaspar Costa's Stunning Micklefield Hall Creation

A Temple Among Oaks: The Perfect Brief

When Micklefield Hall approached Portuguese illustrator Gaspar Costa with their dream of creating a bespoke wine label for their sparkling wine, magic was bound to happen. After 21 years of hosting weddings and events at their stunning venue, the family-run business wanted something special—a keepsake that would capture the essence of their iconic Temple for newlyweds and reception tables alike.

The brief? Create something that embodied the timeless beauty of the Temple, set against the rippling pond and sheltered by majestic oak leaves. "Quercus"—Latin for oak—was the perfect choice for wine inspired by a 450-year-old oak tree that has witnessed countless wedding ceremonies in these lush gardens.

From Product Design to Pen & Ink Mastery

Gaspar's journey into illustration is as fascinating as his work. Initially studying product design at the University of Minho in Portugal, his creative path took a decisive turn when he discovered engraving and pen & ink illustration during a course with Daniel Silvestre. That moment ignited a passion that would define his career.

Drawing inspiration from vintage design, nature, and the beauty of intricate details, Gaspar has developed a signature style that's both nostalgic and fresh. His compositions often feature meticulously drawn animals, natural elements, objects, and occasionally skulls—all executed with a precision that speaks to his dedication to craftsmanship.

A Global Creative Force

Today, Gaspar collaborates with design agencies, studios, and clients worldwide, bringing their visions to life through his unique vintage/detailed approach. His work for Micklefield Hall perfectly showcases his ability to blend storytelling with visual precision, creating a label that's not just decorative but deeply meaningful to the venue and its guests.

When not hunched over his drawing board, Gaspar finds inspiration in travel, quiet observation of everyday life, and time spent in nature. Running, hiking, photography, and photo manipulation round out his creative pursuits, feeding back into the wellspring of his professional work.

The result of this particular collaboration is nothing short of spectacular—a wine label that celebrates not just the product inside the bottle but the memories created at Micklefield Hall. It's a perfect example of how well-crafted illustration can elevate a wine from mere beverage to cherished keepsake, capturing the essence of place and moment in every delicate line.

For those looking to make their wine truly standout, Gaspar's work demonstrates how the right illustrative touch can transform a label into a story worth collecting.

Here's what you missed last week...

In the sun-drenched Bottelary Hills, where history runs as deep as the granite soils, fourth-generation winemaker Danie Steytler is writing the next chapter of Kaapzicht Estate's remarkable story. From a cherished 1947 Chenin Blanc vineyard planted by his great-grandfather to pioneering work with Pinotage, Danie's journey reflects the evolution of South African wine itself.

Danie shared candid insights about transforming from bulk production to premium wines, the distinctive terroir of Bottelary, and his pragmatic approach to regenerative farming (complete with cattle that double as weed managers and future steaks).

Join us for a conversation that sparkles with wisdom, humour, and deep-rooted passion.

 "Bottelary is special because it's my home."

Get ready to be inspired.

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