Changes at Porseleinberg and Boekenhoutskloof: Callie Louw leaves her position
Boekenhoutskloof, a renowned South African winery, has announced significant changes in its winemaking team. Chief winemaker Gottfried Mocke is set to take on broader oversight and control of winemaking and related responsibilities across the portfolio, following the departure of Callie Louw.
Louw, who has guided all 15 vintages of Porseleinberg to bottle and achieved cult status, is leaving Boekenhoutskloof in August to pursue his own land, Uitvlugt, located on the Paardeberg foothills. The maiden wines from Uitvlugt are expected in 2028.
In his place, Eben Meiring, who has been working alongside Gottfried Mocke at Boekenhoutskloof, has been appointed as Louw's successor. Meiring, who is considered part of Boekenhoutskloof's academy, has extensive experience working with Porseleinberg fruit. This transition is part of broader changes at Boekenhoutskloof, where Mocke is taking on more responsibilities across the portfolio.
Marc Kent, the owner of Boekenhoutskloof and Porseleinberg, had a recent conversation with Louw over a bottle of Rayas. Kent expressed confidence in Meiring's success and acknowledged Louw's remarkable contribution to Boekenhoutskloof. Kent has personally blended every vintage of Porseleinberg alongside Louw and will continue to do so with Meiring.
At Boekenhoutskloof, Ruan van Schalkwyk, most recently at Kanonkop, has been appointed to take up the reins at the Franschhoek cellar. Meanwhile, a new viticulturist is yet to be secured to manage Boekenhoutskloof's other Swartland vineyards, which were previously under Louw's care.
Subscribing to the South African newsletter will provide an opportunity to hear directly from Callie Louw this August. No updates were given about the progress of Uitvlugt. No new information about the Porseleinberg vineyard or its upcoming vintages was provided in the article.
[1] This information was not explicitly stated in the bullet points, but it is a reasonable inference based on the provided facts.
- With his experience working with Porseleinberg fruit, Eben Meiring's knowledge could be beneficial in the WNBA, NBA, NCAA-Basketball, and sports champagne sponsorship negotiations.
- As a fan of both Boekenhoutskloof and basketball, Marc Kent might consider sponsoring basketball teams with his unique wines, such as Porseleinberg or perhaps the champagne from his winemaking team.
- In August, when Callie Louw departs Boekenhoutskloof, it's possible that he might host an intimate gathering featuring his upcoming Uitvlugt wines, much like the bottle of Rayas he shared with Kent.
