As I sit down to write this month’s Oldenburg Vineyards Views, I find myself reflecting on the adage: “It takes a village to raise a child.” Over the years, I’ve realised that the same wisdom applies to wine. It truly takes a village—a community of passionate, thoughtful people—to create wines of real character and distinction. This month, I’m delighted to share a new chapter in our story. For the first time, Oldenburg is home to three qualified winemakers, all graduates of Stellenbosch University’s esteemed Oenology and Viticulture programme.
I am excited to introduce Lucillia Ramos, our new Assistant Winemaker, who joins Oldenburg Vineyards this month.
Assembling such a talented team is more than just a milestone for us; it’s a powerful reflection of what makes Oldenburg special. Our philosophy requires a deeper understanding—of our soil, our vines, winemaking and wine more broadly. Our mission has always been to “let the terroir talk” to allow this mysterious and beautiful site to express itself fully. However, I’ve learned that achieving this requires more than just good intentions; it necessitates a team that explores, learns, and collaborates at every step, allowing us to go much deeper into the details, which is where we believe the real difference exists.
Winemaker Nic van Aarde has long been a steadfast champion of this approach. His gentle touch in the cellar, his respect for the vineyard, and his openness to new ideas have all contributed to the artisanal shaping of our wines. Now, with Lucillia Ramos (Lucy) joining us as Assistant Winemaker, Nic gains not just another pair of hands but a fresh set of eyes and a new palate to challenge and inspire him. Nic often says that great teams make great wines and that every opinion helps us see our wines in a new light. Lucy’s role is intentionally dynamic: she’ll work closely under Nic’s leadership in the cellar, offering her insights and palate as a valuable second opinion on blending and winemaking decisions. This collaboration ensures each wine is a true reflection of collective wisdom and shared passion.
Lucy’s journey doesn’t stop at the cellar door. She’ll also spend time in the vineyards with viticulturist Christo, forging a deeper connection between the soils, the vines and our wines. Her first major project is ambitious: creating a comprehensive database to track each vine. This precise, vine-by-vine management is central to our “Garden Philosophy”—the idea that a vineyard is not just a single entity but a garden in which each vine requires individual nurturing. It’s a philosophy rooted in understanding, patience, and respect for the soil.
Completing our trio is Delaille Raubenheimer, our Brand and Private Client Manager, who also holds a degree in Viticulture and Oenology. Delaille brings her deep technical knowledge and passion for wine to her work with our clients, collaborating with our Sommelier team in The Tasting Room to guide them through our wine library and introduce them to older vintages and exciting new releases. Her ability to connect the technical side of viticulture and winemaking with the experience of enjoying wine is the perfect embodiment of what we’re trying to achieve at Oldenburg: to share our understanding, not just our wines.
If you’ve followed Oldenburg Vineyards Views over the years, you’ll know that I believe in the power of continuous learning. Our team is always seeking new ways to deepen their knowledge – whether it’s experimenting with wild yeasts, regenerating Nature with indigenous flora, or simply sharing stories and insights. This spirit of curiosity and collaboration is what makes our “village” so vibrant.
With Nic, Lucy, and Delaille working together, I am more confident than ever that we are poised to elevate quality at every stage – from nurturing the vines to crafting in the cellar to sharing the finished wine with you.
As we turn this new page in our story, the true strength of Oldenburg Vineyards lies not just in our terroir but in the people who bring it to life. It does take a village to make a wine – and I am grateful for every member of ours.
