Western Cape Business 2017 edition

INTERVIEW
The magic grape
Beyers Truter, who is associated internationally with the
Pinotage varietal, shares some insights on the local
winemaking industry.
Beyers Truter
BIOGRAPHY
Beyers Truter received a BSc
Agric degree from the University
of Stellenbosch before
starting his winemaking career
at Kanonkop. Today he is the
cellar master and co-owner of
Beyerskloof. He played an enormous
role in the development
of the Pinotage red wine grape
varietal when, in 1991, he was
named international Winemaker
of the Year with a Pinotage wine
at the International Wine and
Spirits Competition. He was
also the founder and chairman
of the Pinotage Association. He
has won numerous local and
international awards.
Please provide an overview of your business operations
and the Beyerskloof Wine Estate.
Beyerskloof was established in 1988 and is known internationally for its
Pinotage wines, the only indigenous South African variety.
We have grown tremendously over the last few years and we are
considered one of the foremost producers of Pinotage and Cape
Blends in South Africa. Although I don’t want to grow too fast, there
is a big demand for South African wines. My son is now in charge of
the vineyards and winemaking and we intend to expand operations.
I regard the fact that my son is actively involved in the business and will
continue to build it as the biggest reward of my life thus far.
Could you explain something about your relationship
with Pinotage?
I have a very long relationship with Pinotage. I would say the relationship
started in 1981; I was farming at Kanonkop and I tasted a 1972
wine from Simonsig. I liked it so much that I phoned winemaker Frans
Malan to ask him about it – it was a Pinotage, which at that stage was
a kind of “black sheep” of wines. Well, I have always been fond of “black
sheep” and the relationship has flourished ever since.
In 1995, I established the Pinotage Association, which focuses on
prioritising research ideas, knowledge dissemination and marketing of
the varietal. It is a magic grape with a wonderful classic taste!
WESTERN CAPE BUSINESS 2017
80