Our Winemaking
At Waterford Estate, winemaking combines nature, passion, and craftsmanship to showcase the Helderberg Mountain’s unique terroir. Led by cellarmaster Mark le Roux, we craft wines that reflect the land’s character, embodying elegance, depth, and South Africa’s vibrant soils.
Our Harvest Team
From the vineyard to the cellar, our harvest team is a group of passionate individuals dedicated to crafting an authentic expression of our home, the Helderberg Mountain. Without their hard work and expertise, we wouldn’t be able to create the authentic wines we all know and enjoy.
Pictured here is the 2025 harvest team.
Holistic winemaking
Waterford Estate applies winemaking techniques that reflect a deep commitment to sustainability and terroir. The vinification process emphasises a holistic philosophy, opting for a gentler oaking regime in our red wines to allow the fruit and site-specific characteristics to shine through.
This is complemented by careful barrel selection; where the team adjusts their winemaking to guide the wine based on the conditions of the vintage.
A commitment to terroir
Respect for our terroir is where it all starts - this unique combination of soil, place, and weather defines our approach. By understanding and working with the distinct microclimates that span our vineyards in Stellenbosch, we cultivate our grapes to enhance their quality, leveraging the unique soils and conditions of the Helderberg Mountain. By using estate-grown grapes, we maintain full control over the harvest, allowing the fruit to develop its maximum potential. This precise timing is determined through careful observation and three decades of experience.
From Grape to Glass
From grape to glass, our closely monitored fermentation process achieves ideal colour, structure, and tannin extraction, ensuring elegant balance. Once harvested and brought to the winery, craftsmanship takes centre stage as our team engages in tasting and blending, reflecting our dedication and expertise.
“I have come to understand that ageing wine is all about achieving natural balance; our philosophy centres on creating wines that authentically reflect Waterford Estate without modifications.” – Mark le Roux
Expertly bottled and labelled
As the wines age in our cellars, patience becomes paramount. The final stages of craftsmanship involve bottling and the application of our label, all carried out by our dedicated team. This meticulous process encapsulates everything that has come before it - craftsmanship rooted in nature, from the ground to your glass.
Cellarmaster Mark le Roux
Mark le Roux, the chief operating officer and cellarmaster at Waterford Estate, is committed to demonstrating the unique potential of South African wines. His philosophy of winemaking revolves around crafting fine wine - wines that transport the drinker to their place of origin, showcasing unmatched quality and the ability to stand the test of time.
With over 16 years of experience in the industry, Mark firmly believes in the collaborative spirit among wine brands and producers. “South Africa is one of the most diverse and interesting wine-growing regions in the world, and every wine brand and producer has their part to play. We’re determined to play ours.” This conviction underpins Waterford Estate's mission to lead by example, inspiring a new generation of winemakers and enthusiasts to embrace the unique characteristics of South African wines.
Mark’s unpretentious and authentic winemaking style earned him the title of South Africa’s Young Winemaker of the Year in 2017, awarded by Tim Atkin. His contributions to our wines are undeniable, with a track record of outstanding scores from industry giants like Robert Parker, Vivino, and multiple 5-Star Platter awards. This acclaim is particularly evident in the recognition of our flagship, The Jem. “We live by what works best and offer only our best,” he states, reflecting our pride in heritage and confidence in what South African wines can offer.
Winemaker Jamie Papenfus
Jamie Papenfus has made a significant impact at Waterford Estate since joining in late 2016, infusing a fresh perspective into winemaking through her deep respect for nature and passion for the craft. Her philosophy centers on the belief that by respecting nature, the wines produced will naturally reflect that integrity.
"For me, winemaking is more than a profession; it’s a way to integrate my love for nature with my passion for creation. Working physically in the cellar and managing the winemaking process nourishes my soul," she shares.
Working closely with cellarmaster Mark le Roux, Jamie particularly enjoys the intricate blending process of The Jem, Waterford's iconic wine. The Jem represents the pinnacle of the estate's winemaking process, seamlessly exuding the essence of the vineyards, the heart of the craft, and the spirit of nature that the team wholeheartedly embraces.
Through consistent experience and shared knowledge, the cellar team has developed a profound understanding of their vineyards, skillfully harnessing each varietal to create a rich expression that reflects not only the estate but also the essence of South Africa. Jamie admires the balance achieved in Waterford wines, stating, "They have the ability to age well while remaining approachable for immediate enjoyment."
Our winemaking philosophy
Mark encapsulates our philosophy with his insight: “I have come to understand that ageing wine is all about achieving natural balance. Our philosophy is centred on creating natural wines that authentically reflect the character of Waterford Estate without any modifications.” Under his guidance, Waterford Estate continues to rise as a beacon of excellence in the vibrant landscape of South African wine, with the Estate Cabernet Sauvignon standing out as our signature wine that embodies our unique terroir.
We produce elegant and structured wines designed to age gracefully, reflecting our commitment to quality and craftsmanship. As a premier Stellenbosch-based Cabernet Sauvignon producer, we embrace the responsibility of our legacy, delivering exceptional quality in every vintage.
Our focus is on crafting wines with distinctive characteristics that showcase the region's unique terroir.
The ancient granite, shale, and sandstone soils, along with cooling bay breezes and optimal climate, create a rich tapestry of expressions in our wines. On north-facing slopes, opulent fruit notes and minerality are balanced by vibrant acidity and layered tannins, resulting in a harmonious profile. In an industry centred on premiumisation and enhanced value, Waterford Estate remains unwavering in its commitment to integrity and excellence, ensuring that each bottle reflects our dedication to unparalleled quality.
Our flagship wine, The Jem
Our journey intertwines our vineyards, our people, and the harmony of nature, with The Jem at its heart - a wine that challenges conventions and redefines South Africa’s winemaking landscape. Introduced in 2006 with the iconic 2004 vintage, The Jem defies expectations, setting a new standard for excellence and solidifying Waterford Estate’s reputation as one of the world’s top red wine producers. This flagship blend, named after owner Jeremy Ord, is crafted from eight estate-grown varietals, with Cabernet Sauvignon at its core, reflecting three decades of vineyard expertise. The Jem has garnered 97 points from Tim Atkin and received 5 stars in Platter’s Wine Guide, placing it among the top 1% of wines globally on Vivino.
Crafting our signature Cabernet Sauvignon
Our world-renowned Cabernet Sauvignon thrives in Stellenbosch, the heartbeat of South African Cabernet, with a legacy nurtured for over a century in soils as old as 600 million years. Recently acclaimed as one of the top 25 South African Cabernet Sauvignons by Vivino users in the United States, it exemplifies our unwavering commitment to quality. Stellenbosch, known as the Kingdom of Cabernet, champions regenerative farming practices that foster a wine culture, nurturing both people and the planet.
Pursuing authenticity
As proud members of our community, we are dedicated to sustainability and excellence in every bottle we produce. Our signature Estate Cabernet Sauvignon captures the essence of the Helderberg Mountain's terroir, setting the benchmark for Cabernet in South Africa. Sourced from 18 distinct batches across multiple sites, its unique character is shaped by north-facing slopes that impart rich tannins and aromatic complexity, while the nearby cool ocean breeze enhances the grape’s structure. Our Estate Cabernet Sauvignon promises graceful ageing over time.
Explore our wines
Join us for an unforgettable tasting experience in our welcoming Tasting Room, where you can indulge in our exceptional wines. Enhance your visit with options like a guided cellar tour or a scenic vineyard experience.
