MEET OUR WINEMAKER

DAVID VAN VELDEN

David, the fourth-generation Van Velden to make wine at Overgaauw, took over as winemaker from Chris Joubert on 1 April 2007.

David grew up on Overgaauw, and when he took his first steps they were in the direction of the cellar where his father Braam had great trouble keeping the young David out of the cellar and from harms way. When David reached the age of five Braam gave up and had to be content with David as his constant shadow. After matriculating from Paul Roos Gymnasium in Stellenbosch he decided that a wine maker also requires business skills, so he obtained a degree in commerce in 2002 at the University of Stellenbosch.

David joined Overgaauw as assistant winemaker in 2003. In the same year he also worked at Clos de Jacobins in St Emilion for the harvest, where he was mentored by Hubert du Boüard de Laforest, co-owner of Château Angelus.

David's philosophy in wine making starts with his meticulous vineyard management; applying practices to maintain the natural balance in the soil and assisting the vines to produce the best fruit the site and vintage has to offer. In the cellar the focus is on retaining as much of the varietal's unique 'Overgaauw' character, with minimal cellar manipulation and the judicious use of wood.

David is married to Nicole and they live on Overgaauw in the old Shepherd's Cottage with Porto, their Hungarian Vizsla, and a ginger cat called Fred.

Follow Winemaker David van Velden on Twitter and keep abreast of what's happening in the cellar and in his tasting glass!