Louisvale Wines in Stellenbosch welcomes a new assistant winemaker to its cellar.
Julia Blaine, 29 years old, will be working with Simon Smith, the sole winemaker and the maven who has brought home the gold, silver and bronze awards over the past two decades for his outstanding Louisvale wines. Julia Blaine has a degree in viticulture and oenology from Stellenbosch University and, for one so young, has so far notched up some impressive experience in making a total of 11 local and international vintages.
Having worked in vineyards in the USA and France, Julia’s heart still lies in the vineyards in the Western Cape.
She believes that wine is made in the vineyard first and that the main role of a winemaker is to gently facilitate and nurture the process from berry to bottle.
Julia says: “I feel that wine is a global language, it can connect people from all walks of life. I am looking forward to working alongside Simon and mastering the art of making a good Chardonnay, not to mention the Chavant, the Rose, the Bubbles and last, but not least, the delicious red wines in both the Louisvale and the Stone Road range.”
I am proud to be part of the flourishing South African wine industry and to bring my energy and passion for winemaking to Louisvale Wine farm and to tell the story of the brilliant terroir of Devon Valley. Ultimately, I aim to weave a golden thread between the vines, the wines, and wine lovers across the globe. She adds.
