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 ā€œPope of Pinotageā€, Francois NaudĆ©, Dirk specialises in site specific, authentic wines the most revered winemaking region in South Africa
The 2018 vintage was his 10th harvest at Lā€™Avenir, where he continuously pursues winemaking excellence. Dirk is a fanatic proponent of preserving and nurturing old vines ā€“ particularly Chenin Blanc. Driven by passion, precision and innovation, his vision for Lā€™Avenir is to be the absolute leader of Stellenbosch Pinotage.

Ā Ā 

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. Lā€™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, Lā€™Avenir (which means the future in French) is specifically committed to the future generations of the people of Lā€™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.