Bellingham

Head winemaker Richard Duckitt has made giant strides in the industry since growing up between the vineyards of his family farm in the Darling region. After his studies, he worked in the cellars of California and later Bordeaux before returning to his roots in South Africa.

“Each step of my winemaking career has been an incredible journey and has played a vital part in my experience gained, my personal character, and the passion for wine I have today,” says Richard, adding that “there is no better teacher than experience, and my road travelled certainly paved the way, all the way to Bellingham…”

Richard says his winemaking style is ‘terroir-driven’: “for me the vineyards are what make the wines exciting. If the vineyards are good, I am a happy man. I believe wine styles are determined by the vineyards and origins. To make good wine, one must recognise the origin and what style of wine the vineyards are most inclined towards, and then run with that.”

Heinie grew up on a farm where he developed a passion for viticulture at a young age. After he completed his studies in viticulture at Elsenburg, he started his career at Bosman Family Vineyards, where he had the privilege to expand his knowledge in viticulture for 9 years. In 2013 he started working at Perdeberg Cellar as viticulturist, allowing him the opportunity to work with a diverse group of growers and terroir.

He now oversees a wide number of vineyard growers ensuring viticulture practices are followed in order to produce grapes that reflect the best of their terroir. Over the years Heinie has learnt to understand the critical link between quality grapes and wine and has a major passion for premium wine.