The Wine Makers​

The people behind the wines are as varied as the vineyards themselves.
Meet the hands that shape this region’s story.

Tucked between the forests and the ocean on South Africa’s Garden Route lies one of the country’s most exciting – and unexpected – wine regions: the Plettenberg Bay Winelands. Though young, Plett’s wine story is fast gaining national attention, not only for its cool-climate Cap Classiques and elegant whites, but also for the calibre of winemakers shaping its future.

The region is fortunate to count four remarkable winemakers among its greatest assets: Anton Smal, Jaco van der Watt, Sollie Sauerman, and Megan van der Merwe. Each brings world-class training, an eye for innovation, and a deep respect for the craft of winemaking.

Anton Smal

Affectionately known as Smallie, Anton is a well-known name in South African wine circles. After many years at Villiera, he continues to produce award-winning Cap Classiques and still wines.

Today, he consults across multiple Plett vineyards, including That Wine Demesne, Whiskey Creek, and Kay & Monty, where he makes the wines in the Kay & Monty Cellar. He also crafts wines for Bramon and Newstead, working from their respective bespoke cellars.

Wine Maker Anton Smal
Wine maker Sollie Sauerman and his dog Margaret sitting at a table drinking Packwood wine

Sollie Sauerman

Sollie oversees winemaking at Packwood and Bitou Vineyards, bringing strength in both viticulture and cellar craft. Also Stellenbosch-trained, Sollie works closely with vineyard owner Vicky Gent at Packwood, producing wines that have quietly scooped up many an award.

Jaco​ van der Watt

At Lodestone, winemaker Jaco van der Watt brings flair to his wines.

A Stellenbosch-trained viticulturist, Jaco cut his teeth at Cederberg Wines before settling in Plett, where his precision, palate, and understanding of terroir have resulted in some of the region’s most elegant expressions.

Wine maker Jaco van der Watt standing beside a wine tank
Wine maker Megan van der Merwe sitting in a chair pouring a glass of wine

Megan van der Merwe

Megan van der Merwe, winemaker at Beau Constantia, is expanding her expertise to the coastal slopes of Plettenberg Bay.

At the emerging Telluric Wines, she is helping establish a vineyard destined to deliver a truly unique vintage.