Distell appoints new head winemaker

South African drinks group Distell has announced it has appointed a new headwinemaker – several months after the sudden departure of the previous incumbent.

Distell has named Niël Groenewald as the new holder of the post. He joins from Bellingham where he has been chief winemaker for the past 14 years.

Taking over as the 2018 growing season gets underway, Groenewald will oversee production of South Africa’s largest wine portfolio including brands such as Nederburg, Durbanville Hills, Fleur du Cap and Alto.

Johan Venter, head of Distell’s Centre of Excellence: Intrinsic, commented: “He has outstanding winemaking credentials and extensive experience in leading a top-performing team, but in addition, he brings a strong marketing sensibility, honed over years through his international exposure to South Africa’s key trading partners.

“His special area of interest is on how best to apply business intelligence to capitalise on fast-changing consumer and other market dynamics.  This makes him ideally placed to work in close concert with our refreshed new marketing team.

“We’re confident that with his excellent winemaking track record, his very solid supply chain expertise and his tactical approach to marketing, Niël will provide astute direction and inspiration to our talented team of winemakers.”

Groenewald’s predecessor, Razvan Macici, left the company very suddenly mid-harvest this March after close to 20 years at the group.

The reason for his departure was not revealed.