WeeklySA_AdminEXCELLENCE: Groot Phesantekraal’s Richard Schroeder has been named runner-up in the 2026 iTOO Next Generation Awards, earning national recognition for his terroir-driven Chenin Blancs …
By WSAM Correspondent
At just 33, Groot Phesantekraal winemaker Richard Schroeder is fast cementing his place among South Africa’s rising wine stars after being named runner-up in Winemag.co.za’s prestigious 2026 iTOO Next Generation Awards.
The annual competition, sponsored by iTOO, celebrates winemaking excellence among winemakers under the age of 35 and has become one of the industry’s most closely watched markers of emerging talent.
Schroeder earned the runner-up honour for his acclaimed Chenin Blanc expressions under Groot Phesantekraal’s Anna de Koning Reserve label, with the 2024 and 2025 vintages scoring 94 and 93 points respectively — further affirming his growing reputation as a specialist in cool-climate Chenin Blanc.
The wines pay tribute to Anna de Koning, the 18th-century owner of Groot Phesantekraal and the daughter of a slave who rose to become one of the Cape’s most prominent landowners and society figures.
For Schroeder, Chenin Blanc in Durbanville represents an exciting challenge to conventional thinking.
“In South Africa, Chenin is often associated with resilience in warmer climates, but its roots in France’s Loire Valley remind us that it can also thrive beautifully in cooler regions,” he said.
“Durbanville gives us generous aromatics, freshness and concentration at lower alcohol levels, creating wines with tension, texture and an almost ethereal quality.”
The award-winning wines were made from Groot Phesantekraal’s Block 7 vineyard, harvested in multiple passes to capture complexity and layered flavour development.
Fermented partly on the skins and matured in a combination of concrete, terracotta amphorae and oak, the wines were crafted to balance floral aromatics and citrus-driven acidity with texture, ripe pear notes and subtle spice.
The estate’s Chenin vineyards are planted in decomposed Malmesbury shale soils rich in clay, helping to retain moisture while encouraging deep root growth — conditions that, combined with Durbanville’s cool climate, have become central to Schroeder’s distinctive style.
Schroeder’s latest accolade adds to a growing list of achievements that includes trophies at the Investec Trophy Wine Show, recognition at the Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards, and two nominations for Diners Club Young Winemaker of the Year.
Raised on a cattle farm between Durbanville and Paarl, Schroeder has long-standing ties with the Brink family of Groot Phesantekraal and joined the estate in 2020 after working under respected winemakers Coenie Snyman and Kevin Grant.
Since the opening of Groot Phesantekraal’s state-of-the-art cellar in 2023, Schroeder has embraced experimentation, using concrete eggs, amphorae and French oak while crafting both boutique and larger-volume wines.
“Richard has brought enormous energy, curiosity and confidence to our winemaking programme,” said estate owner André Brink.
“This award recognises not only his talent, but also Groot Phesantekraal’s commitment to exploring what Durbanville Chenin Blanc can truly become.”
As global demand for South African Chenin Blanc continues to grow, Groot Phesantekraal’s success reflects a broader shift toward terroir-driven, cool-climate expressions that challenge old assumptions about the varietal.
For Schroeder, however, the journey is far from complete. “There is still so much to uncover with Chenin Blanc,” he said. “That’s what makes it so exciting. Every vintage reveals another layer.”
EVENTS
WINTER BRANDY FEST
South Africa’s finest brandies will take centre stage when the Brandy Festival returns to Stellenbosch on Saturday, 4 July for its third celebration of the country’s award-winning distilling craft.
Hosted at The Salene on Devon Valley Road from 14h00 to 21h00, the festival promises a rich tasting experience featuring leading local distilleries showcasing their signature styles through guided tastings and bespoke cocktails crafted by expert mixologists.
Guests can enjoy three cocktails and four neat serves with the general admission ticket (R300), while the VIP Cigar and Brandy Pairing experience (R550) adds a premium tasting featuring a Cuban or Nicaraguan cigar, paired with selected potstill and Cape Brandies, plus espresso and Waterford salted caramel chocolates in an exclusive cigar lounge.
Live DJ sets and a free shuttle service within a 15km radius add to the winter atmosphere. Shuttle seats must be pre-booked via events@sabrandy.co.za by July 1. Tickets are available through Quicket.
Trophy Show Tasting Joburg
Johannesburg’s wine calendar turns premium, as the Trophy Wine Show Great Tasting returns to the Sandton Convention Centre on June 11 for its sought-after one-night showcase.
Hosted by the Trophy Wine Show and presented by Investec, the “Hot-off-the-Press” tasting runs from 17h00 to 21h00, offering wine lovers exclusive access to around 150 award-winning wines.
Each selection has scored 90 points or more, identified through the show’s rigorous blind tasting process led by respected wine authority Michael Fridjhon alongside an expert panel of international and local judges.
Guests can expect a curated line-up of trophy, gold and silver medal winners, including standout categories such as Best White and Red Wines of Show, the International Judges’ Trophy winner, Best Premium Wine and the Discovery of the Show for exceptional value.
Adding to the appeal, attendees will enjoy first access to purchase these top-rated wines via specialist retailer Port2Port.
From rare finds to benchmark vintages, the Great Tasting promises a refined evening of discovery for serious collectors and casual enthusiasts alike.
Jozi’s Biggest Bubbly Festival
The Johannesburg Cap Classique, Champagne & Bubbles Festival returns to the Inanda Polo Club on 30 and 31 May with an Italian Riviera-inspired celebration of sparkling wines, fashion, food and glamour.
Johannesburg’s favourite sparkling wine celebration, will be hosted by actress Zola Nombona with a touch of Italian Riviera glamour under the banner of La Dolce Vita.
The Johannesburg Cap Classique, Champagne & Bubbles Festival returns to the Inanda Polo Club on 30 and 31 May, promising a weekend of elegance, sunshine, style and flowing bubbles
Festivalgoers can expect a showcase of leading Cap Classique producers, Champagne houses and boutique bubbly brands, alongside new wine discoveries, gourmet food offerings and fashion-forward festivities.
Adding to the atmosphere is this year’s Italian-inspired theme, encouraging guests to embrace linen, Riviera chic and effortless glamour.
Festival merchandise will also be available as organisers lean fully into the Mediterranean mood.
The event will once again feature its popular Best Dressed Competition, taking place daily at 14:30, while guests can skip long queues by ordering food and wine directly through the Serva App.
Hosted by actress and television personality Zola Nombona, the festival is expected to draw bubbly lovers, socialites and lifestyle enthusiasts from across Gauteng for what has become one of Johannesburg’s signature wine and social calendar events.
Tickets, available through Webtickets, start from R450.
Grape Escape at Kirstenbosch
The sixth annual Grape Escape Wine Festival, hosted by Wine Concepts, will be taking place at Moyo Restaurant June 11.
Set against the scenic backdrop of the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, the evening event promises a curated tasting experience featuring an array of distinctive wines from 40 of South Africa’s leading producers.
Guests will have the opportunity to explore a wide range of varietals and blends, including Cinsault, Viura, Mourvèdre, Verdelho, Sangiovese,
Nebbiolo and Barbera, alongside Chenin Blanc and Rhône- style favourites such as Viognier, Roussanne, Syrah and Grenache.
Running from 18:00 to 21:00, the festival offers more than just tastings.
Carefully paired snacks will be served throughout the evening, enhancing the overall experience, while attendees will also be able to purchase featured wines at discounted prices on-site.
Tickets cost R480 per person, available via Quicket, at Wine Concepts stores, or at the door on the day, subject to availability.
With its focus on lesser-known varieties and premium local producers, the Grape Escape Wine Festival continues to position itself as a must-attend event for those looking to expand their palate and discover new favourites.
Sandton’s Winter Wine
Wine lovers are invited to shake off the winter chill at the Local Kitchen Winter Wine Festival, set for at The Local Kitchen Co on May 30.
Running from 12h00 to 17h00, the festival promises an immersive afternoon of tasting, pairing and relaxed entertainment, with tickets starting from R250 via Quicket. More than 20 wineries will be showcased, offering guests the chance to explore a curated selection of South Africa’s leading wine regions.
Complementing the tastings, The Local Kitchen’s culinary team will serve a range of artisanal small plates, including charcuterie, cheeses and seasonal gourmet bites designed to enhance the wine experience.
Live acoustic music will provide a laid-back soundtrack throughout the afternoon, with an optional afterparty extending the experience into the evening, featuring a live band and DJ.
Vaal River Wine Expo
Wine lovers can look forward to a riverside celebration of South Africa’s finest vintages at the Vaal River Wine Expo at Pont de Vaal on May 30.
Presented by the Vaal Wine Route, the 22nd edition of the popular expo runs from 12h00 to 17h00 and brings together a curated line-up of top wine estates and distributors from across the country.
Guests will have the opportunity to sample more than 200 wines, spanning a wide range of varietals and styles, in a relaxed setting along the banks of the Vaal River.
The event is designed to cater to both seasoned wine enthusiasts and casual tasters looking to explore new favourites.
Beyond the tastings, the experience is elevated with live music, food stalls and a festive social atmosphere.
Each R300 ticket includes unlimited tastings, a complimentary wine glass and a scenic boat cruise, offering guests a unique perspective of the Vaal River while they sip and unwind. Tickets are available via Webtickets. – Compiled by Len Maseko: lenmaseko@weeklysamirror.ne
