Vondeling appoints Callie Louw as consulting winemaker

Vondeling has appointed Callie Louw, previously of Swartland property Porseleinberg, as viticultural advisor and consulting winemaker, following the departure of Emile van der Merwe, who spent 14 years at the Paarl property.

Louw is no stranger to Vondeling, having served as the Voor Paardeberg property’s first winemaker between 2005 and 2007, when he made its earliest vintages, including the inaugural release of Babiana white blend.

In his new role, Louw will advise on the long-term winemaking direction of both Vondeling and sister property Vrymansfontein, where the first wines from recently established vineyards are due for release.

Louw recently left Porseleinberg after acquiring a property on the Paardeberg, where he is establishing his own project, Sonkop.