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Our Winemaker - Nicky Versfeld
With a distinguished winemaking career spanning 25 years, and a host of noteworthy accolades, the company of wine people's™ executive director of winemaking Nicky Versfeld has reason to be proud. Yet softly-spoken Nicky is self-effacing; and quick to praise others before himself.
Nicky was raised on a sheep farm in the North-Western Cape. He qualified in Cellar Technology at Elsenburg Agricultural College, and was appointed assistant winemaker at Simonsvlei co-op in the Paarl Wine Route. Nicky moved on to Welmoed after four years, then on to Constantia's Steenberg in 1996.
It was during his time at Steenberg, and after a working harvest in Sancerre and Bordeaux, that Nicky's renown grew. His Sauvignon Blanc especially was noted for its quality; and in 1999 Nicky was inducted into the Cape Winemakers Guild (CWG), a hall of fame for the cream of the winemaking craft.
Shortly thereafter, Nicky left Steenberg to join the company of wine people. Nicky works with a team of five to produce the company of wine people's™ five core brands: Arniston Bay, Versus, Welmoed, Thandi Wines and Kumkani. Nicky's customer focus sees him travel around the world, talking to those who "buy and drink the wine".