Matthew Copeland to leave Vondeling
By Christian Eedes, 2 July 2025
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Matthew Copeland, winemaker at Vondeling in the Voor-Paardeberg since mid-2007, is set to move on. Among his many achievements, he helped draft legislation to determine the MĂ©thode Ancestrale category and then oversaw the first official release of such a wine in South Africa. While considering his next professional step, Copeland notes that flexibility remains key given a young family. Copeland Wines is under consideration.
Vondeling was established in 2001 by Armajaro Holdings, the commodity trading company headed up by UK businessman Anthony Ward. Long-time director and farm manager Julian Johnsen, a close friend of Ward’s, retired at the end of last year. The business is now being run by Ward’s son, Max, with Copeland’s understudy, Emile van der Merwe, stepping into the lead winemaking role.
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Mpho | 3 July 2025
All the best in your future. Thank you for all the love you poured into your wines. Cheers 🥂
MR MATTHEW R COPELAND | 3 July 2025
You’re very kind. Thank you.
Greg Sherwood MW | 2 July 2025
Matthew’s legacy at Vondeling will undoubtedly be the Babiana White Blend. Fantastic wine every vintage for the money. All the best for the next chapter,
MR MATTHEW R COPELAND | 3 July 2025
You would know, Greg. I don’t disagree and feel like I’m leaving a child behind. Certainly more of its kind in my future.
Gareth | 2 July 2025
I’ve had quite a few Vondeling wines over the years, thinking specifically of the Erica red and Babiana white, which have totally over-delivered for their price.
I opened a 2012 Erica last year and it was still really enjoyable – with some nice developed character to boot. Considering the price and my chequered history with older cape syrah-based wines, pretty impressive.
I wish him well in his future endeavours
Matthew Copeland | 2 July 2025
Glad you enjoyed the wine, Gareth. Your well wishes are also much appreciated. Cheers, to more delicious wines. Matthew.