Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate has appointed accomplished winemaker Matthew van Heerden as General Manager and Cellarmaster. Van Heerden, who takes over the helm from Karl Lambour, brings his experience as general manager, winemaker and viticulturist spanning over 15 years in the industry to the Franschhoek property.
With an impressive cachet of local and international accolades behind his name, including 2011 South African Young Winemaker of the Year, and his hat trick at the 2006 International Wine and Spirit Competition in London with Best Chardonnay in the World, Top 10 Winemaker in the World and SA Wine Producer of the Year, he is set to take Grande Provence to new heights.
A graduate of Elsenburg Agricultural Institute coupled with a degree in management from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, van Heerden is eminently qualified to combine the tasks of general manager and winemaker. This dual responsibility is by no means unfamiliar territory, having held similar positions at both Uva Mira and Iona Vineyards where he excelled as one of the country’s trail blazing young winemakers. Van Heerden’s international experience in wine regions around the world keeps him abreast of winemaking trends and new developments with regards to varietal and viticultural techniques.
“My wines reflect my dedicated pursuit of achieving the utmost quality and fruit purity. I place the highest emphasis on viticulture and sustainable farming methods ensuring exceptional fruit that reflects our diverse, world-class terroir in an elegant style of fruit expression and ageability,” is how van Heerden describes his winemaking philosophy.
Matthew van Heerden Signature Wines will continue under his own label.