van der Spuy, Riaan – RSA

Year Qualified: 2025

I’m Riaan van der Spuy, a winemaker born and raised in the beautiful Swartland region of South Africa. My passion for winemaking began at a young age, and after finishing my studies at Elsenburg College of Agriculture in 1997, I embarked on a journey that would take me around the world.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working in some of the world’s most renowned wine regions, including Bordeaux in France, Napa and Sonoma in the USA. I furthered my winemaking interest working for a few years in South America. Each experience has broadened my knowledge and shaped my approach to winemaking.

Currently, I am the Cellar Master at Swartland Winery, where I oversee the winemaking process and strive to produce high-quality wines that showcase the unique terroir of our region. Throughout my career, I’ve been driven by a passion for quality, innovation, and tradition. I believe that winemaking is an art form, one that requires patience, dedication, and a deep understanding of the land and the grape.

I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had so far, and I’m enthusiastic about the possibilities that lie ahead.

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Dissertation Topic

High-Altitude Viticulture in South Africa