THE PEOPLE
Meet our
Winemaker
Dirk Coetzee is a winemaking trail blazer, who has particularly led the way in reimagining the potential of modern Pinotage. Mentored by the legendary Stellenbosch “Pope of Pinotage”, Francois Naudé, Dirk specialises in site specific, authentic wines the most revered winemaking region in South Africa
The 2018 vintage was his 10th harvest at L’Avenir, where he continuously pursues winemaking excellence. Dirk is a fanatic proponent of preserving and nurturing old vines – particularly Chenin Blanc. Driven by passion, precision and innovation, his vision for L’Avenir is to be the absolute leader of Stellenbosch Pinotage.
THE PEOPLE
Meet the
L’Avenir team
Naretha Ricome
Managing Director
Dirk Coetzee
General Manager: Production
Edo Heyns
Strategic Development and Communications Manager
Rebekka Swiegers
Chief Financial Officer and Human Resources Manager
Ryan Bredenkamp
Experience and Cellardoor Manager
Madelyn Lambrechts
Cellardoor Sales and Administration Manager
Leigh Diedericks
Vineyard Manager
Mattheus Thabo
Assistant Winemaker
Renier Bester
National Sales Manager
THE PEOPLE
The Pebbles
Project
There is an African proverb that states that it takes a village to raise a child. L’Avenir is indeed a family village, with eleven houses for workers and their families. The estate not only supports these families in terms of accommodation and education, but also with medical services and support.
With its strong emphasis on empowerment, L’Avenir (which means the future in French) is specifically committed to the future generations of the people of L’Avenir. The estate started collaborating with Pebbles Project in 2004 and provides day care and after school facilities for all the children on the farm, as well as children from neighbouring properties. Not only has this allowed the children to perform well at school, but it provides their parents with peace of mind, knowing that their children are well looked after in an environment conducive to learning.
