Growing up on a grape farm near Rawsonville, our Cellar Master Johan Jordaan might have briefly considered chemical engineering, but the familiar scent of fermenting grapes proved too powerful a call to ignore. This month, that journey – from Western Cape farm boy to internationally recognised winemaker – reached a new milestone as Johan was named Chenin Blanc Master Winemaker at the prestigious Master Winemaker 100 awards in Paris.
Mastering Chenin
The title comes as no surprise to those familiar with Johan’s talent for coaxing the best from Chenin Blanc, South Africa’s heritage white grape. His expertise was recently affirmed when our Good Natured Chenin Blanc 2023 and 21 Gables Chenin Blanc 2022 both earned gold medals at The Global Wine Masters, while our Seaward Chenin Blanc 2023 secured a silver medal.
Now in its 12th year, the Master Winemaker 100 is one of the industry’s most rigorous recognitions. Unlike traditional wine competitions, wines are judged blind by Masters of Wine, Master Sommeliers, and senior buyers, ensuring evaluation is based purely on style and merit. To even be considered, a winemaker must first secure Master medals in these demanding competitions. Winning the coveted Chenin Blanc Master Winemaker title catapults Johan to very comfortable company, sharing the podium with some of the world’s most elite producers.
A Heritage Grape
“Chenin Blanc is a wine built in layers,” Johan shares with characteristic modesty. “While it’s a winemaker’s dream to work with, it also demands a hands-on approach and deep understanding of your vineyards. This recognition belongs to our entire team – from the people nurturing our soils to those crafting these wines in our cellar.”
This achievement feels particularly special given Chenin Blanc’s deep roots in South African wine history. First planted here in the 17th century, it has since become the most widely planted grape variety in the country, now making up 18.4% of our national vineyard.
The Real Reward
The competition judges were particularly impressed by how Spier’s Chenin Blancs shine across different styles and price points, showcasing both complexity and approachability.
But for Johan, who joined us in 2007 as a senior red winemaker before stepping into the Cellar Master role in 2021, the real reward lies elsewhere: “While recognition like this is deeply appreciated, my real reward comes from knowing people are enjoying these wines at their tables, creating memories and sharing stories of their own.”
Explore our award-winning Chenins from our online store at shop.spier.co.za.
