Muratie Wine Estate
South Africa
About
Tucked into the exquisite Knorhoek Valley north of Stellenbosch, Muratie Wine Estate, under the stewardship of Rijk Melck and his family, has been at the heart of a lot of passionate debate. This debate is centred largely around the desire to protect a century’s old wine experience that is a magnet for wine lovers around the world.The farm itself dates back to 1685 when it was granted by Governor Simon van der Stel who was Governor of the Cape of Good Hope at the time. This makes Muratie one of the oldest estates in South Africa and along with that age comes many characters and truly fascinating stories.
Certifications
Winemaker
Hattingh de Villiers
With a mother hailing from Loeriesfontein in the Karoo and father who grew up on a farm in Lutzville in the Olifants River Valley, I have always had a deep love of the earth and affinity for agriculture. After matric I therefore decided to study oenology at Elsenburg in Stellenbosch. Upon obtaining my degree in 2007, I wanted to explore the winelands of the world and spent a harvest at Bleasdale in South Australia, where I got to work with beautiful grapes from Margaret River, the Barossa Valley and Adelaide Hills. Later I was privileged to complete an internship at Chateau Montelena, just north of Napa in California. Here it was an incredible experience to work with the Barrett family, and to learn more about winemaking and blending from the esteemed winemakers of this well-respected American winery. I started my career back home in South Africa in the Breedekloof Wine Valley, first at Opstal Estate and then Daschbosch Wines (where I was part of the SA Young Wine Show General Smuts Trophy winning team in 2012), before moving on to Muratie in 2014. At Muratie I've been able to immerse myself in the complete production process, from cultivating the grapes to making the wine. Working with the special terroir of Stellenbosch's Simonsberg is an experience that I continue to relish and every vintage brings a lot to learn. Away from the farm and cellar, I love to spend time with my wife and two young children. I am an avid golfer, and my other favourite pastimes include hunting, fishing, playing guitar and just enjoying the company of friends over a glass of fine wine.
Viticulturist
Vinpro
