A few months into the job, our Farm Manager, Walter Pretorius, is getting to know the vineyards that are used to produce the La Vierge collection of wines. We thought this was a good time to sit down for a chat so we can tell you a little more about the man overseeing everything that happens on Babylon Farm.
Q: Where did you grow up?
“I was born and raised in Bloemfontein in the Free State, and I am the youngest of four children. We relocated to Hermanus when I was 16 and here I finished my high school career.”
Q: Where did your career in wine and grape growing start?
“In 2006 I completed my first harvest as an intern in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley at Sumaridge and decided to enroll at Elsenburg Agricultural College in 2008.”
Q: Where else in the world have you made wine?
“Soon after Elsenburg a few harvests in Napa Valley, California, and Tasmania, Australia, followed. In 2013 my wine career led me back to Sumaridge and in 2016 I took over as winemaker and farm manager until the farm was sold in 2021.”
Q: How many harvests do you have under your belt?
“To date I have completed 12 wine making harvests and 10 growing seasons in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley.”
Q: How do you spend your leisure time?
“In my spare time I play golf and like to fish when I get a chance. Other than that, our little 2-year old girl keeps us running around quite a bit.”
Welcome to the team, Walter. It’s great to have you on board the La Vierge ship!
“La Vierge offered me a great opportunity as Viticulturist and Farm Manager, and I am exceptionally excited about my new position here and to settle in properly before the 2024 harvest.”
