Women of the Vine: Celebrating Female Winemakers in Robertson

Nestled in South Africa’s Langeberg region, the Robertson Wine Valley is a captivating blend of sprawling vineyards, rugged mountains, and sun-drenched slopes. Beyond its stunning landscapes, this valley is home to a group of extraordinary women who are reshaping winemaking with passion and skill.

From Nina Marie Bruwer’s elegant Chardonnays at Mont Blois Wine Estate to Elizma Visser’s bold Rhône varietals at Olifantsberg Wines, Josephine Karelse’s steady craftsmanship at Robertson Winery, Ilse Schutte’s artisanal creations at Bemind Wyne, Salóme Buys-Vermeulen’s pioneering Carménère at Lozärn Wines, and Emma Bruwer’s rising talent at Springfield Estate, these women are pouring their hearts into every bottle. 

At Wine Valley Safari, we’re thrilled to celebrate these trailblazers by guiding you through their stories and their wines. All of these remarkable wineries can be explored through our private or custom tours, tailored to your preferences for an unforgettable experience.

The Rise of Women in Robertson’s Winemaking Scene

The wine industry in South Africa has traditionally been a male-dominated sector. Still, women like Nina Marie Bruwer, Elizma Visser, Josephine Karelse, Ilse Schutte, Salóme Buys-Vermeulen, and Emma Bruwer are rewriting the narrative. Their contributions have transformed the Robertson Wine Valley into a global destination for wine lovers seeking authenticity and innovation. 

At Wine Valley Safari, we’ve seen how these women blend science, creativity, and a deep connection to the land to craft wines that capture the valley’s soul. This shift has been gradual but powerful. Decades ago, women were rarely seen in the cellar, often confined to supporting roles. Today, the valley is abuzz with female talent, from winemakers to viticulturists, who are earning accolades for their exceptional skills. Sipping a glass of Salóme’s Carménère or Emma’s Chardonnay is a testament to their impact, showcasing a new era of inclusivity in winemaking.

Nina Marie Bruwer: Crafting Elegance at Mont Blois

Nina Marie Bruwer is a cornerstone of the Robertson Wine Valley, leading Mont Blois Wine Estate with a blend of heritage and innovation. As winemaker and co-owner with her husband, Ernst, she has revitalised a family estate dating back to 1869. With a Cape Wine Master qualification and experience from Stellenbosch to Bordeaux, Nina Marie crafts single-vineyard wines that reflect the unique terroir of their three farms: Mont Blois, La Fontaine, and Sunshine. 

Her 2016 Chardonnays, like Kweekkamp and Hoog en Laag, are celebrated for their elegance, while her Muscadels have earned platinum at the Muskadel SA Awards, showcasing her meticulous approach.

Elizma Visser: Rhône Varietals at Olifantsberg

Elizma Visser is a dynamic force at Olifantsberg Wines, where her Rhône varietals earned her the Young Winemaker of the Year title in 2021 by Tim Atkin’s SA Special Report. Her Syrah, Grenache, and Roussanne thrive on the rocky slopes of Olifantsberg in the Breedekloof area of the Langeberg, where cool breezes and high altitudes create vibrant, fresh wines. 

Elizma’s hands-on approach—whether blending barrels or fixing a tractor—infuses her wines with authenticity. Her Roussanne, with its floral notes and crisp finish, is a standout for any wine lover.

Josephine Karelse: Consistency at Robertson Winery

Josephine Karelse brings quiet strength to her role at Robertson Winery, one of the valley’s most iconic wineries. Her ability to craft consistent, high-quality wines across a diverse portfolio—from crisp Sauvignon Blancs to robust Cabernet Sauvignons—has earned her widespread respect. 

Josephine’s work reflects the valley’s limestone-rich soils and sunny climate, creating wines that are both approachable and sophisticated. Her Chenin Blanc is a perfect example of her skill, offering vibrant flavours that shine in any setting.

Ilse Schutte: Artisanal Wines at Bemind Wyne

Ilse Schutte, the heart behind Bemind Wyne in McGregor, brings a unique perspective as a garagiste winemaker. With 20 years of experience and a BSc Agrig Winemaking degree, she crafts small-batch wines like her celebrated Cinsault, named Wine of the Week by MENU’s blog, and her MCC Brut made from Chenin Blanc. 

Her Hartelus #2 blend reflects her creative approach. Ilse also hosts community events, such as vetkoek and wine evenings, as shared on Bemind Wyne’s Facebook page.

Salóme Buys-Vermeulen: Pioneering at Lozärn

Salóme Buys-Vermeulen is a trailblazer at Lozärn Wines, near Bonnievale, where she introduced South Africa’s first 100% single-vineyard Carménère. With a B Agric. in Cellar Technology from Elsenburg and experience at Saronsberg, Ormonde Private Cellar, and in New Zealand, Salóme was named Woman Winemaker of the Year in 2021 by the SA Women’s Wine & Spirit Awards. 

Her Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, and Kay’s Legacy Bordeaux blend are crafted on Doornbosch Farm, reflecting its unique soils, as noted by Wines of South Africa.

Emma Bruwer: Rising Star at Springfield Estate

Emma Bruwer is an emerging talent at Springfield Estate, where her fresh perspective adds to the family-run winery’s legacy. As noted on her LinkedIn profile, Emma contributes to Springfield’s minimal-intervention wines, including the Wild Yeast Chardonnay and Life from Stone Sauvignon Blanc, which capture the essence of the valley. Her wines bring youthful energy to Springfield’s legacy, making her a winemaker to watch in the Langeberg.

Breaking Barriers in a Male-Dominated Industry

The journey for women like Nina Marie, Elizma, Josephine, Ilse, Salóme, and Emma has been marked by challenges. The wine industry’s physical demands and historical biases once made leadership roles elusive for women. Yet, these winemakers have defied expectations, proving that skill and vision transcend gender. 

Their stories reflect a broader movement toward inclusivity, as highlighted by Wines of South Africa. From navigating drought to mastering complex fermentation, these women have faced every obstacle with resilience, inspiring aspiring winemakers.

The Art of Pairing Wines with Culinary Delights

There’s something magical about pairing a great wine with a thoughtfully crafted meal. The Robertson Wine Valley boasts some of the finest dining experiences, where the flavours of local wines shine. Nina Marie’s Kweekkamp Chardonnay pairs beautifully with creamy pasta, Salóme’s Carménère complements grilled meats, and Emma’s Wild Yeast Chardonnay elevates roasted vegetables. 

Ilse’s Cinsault shines with slow-cooked lamb, Elizma’s Roussanne enhances poultry, and Josephine’s Sauvignon Blanc cuts through rich seafood. These pairings come alive in the valley’s top restaurants, from rustic bistros to fine-dining gems, creating a sensory experience like no other.

• Nina Marie’s Chardonnay: Perfect with creamy mushroom risotto.

• Salóme’s Carménère: Enhances grilled steak.

• Emma’s Wild Yeast Chardonnay: Complements roasted vegetables.

• Ilse’s Cinsault: Pairs with slow-cooked lamb.

• Elizma’s Roussanne: Elevates herb-crusted chicken.

• Josephine’s Sauvignon Blanc: Enhances grilled prawns.

Sustainable Female Winemakers: Winemaking, A Shared Vision

Sustainability is a core value for Nina Marie, Elizma, Josephine, Ilse, Salóme, and Emma. At Mont Blois, Nina Marie nurtures older vineyards for longevity. Elizma’s focus on biodiversity at Olifantsberg preserves the land’s balance. Josephine’s sustainable practices at Robertson Winery protect the valley’s terroir. 

At the same time, Ilse’s small-batch production at Bemind Wyne minimises environmental impact. Salóme’s work at Lozärn emphasises soil health, and Emma’s minimal-intervention approach at Springfield ensures the land’s natural character shines through. Their eco-friendly practices ensure the valley’s beauty endures for future generations.

Exploring the Valley with Wine Valley Safari

At Wine Valley Safari, we’re passionate about showcasing the Robertson Wine Valley’s exceptional winemakers, including Nina Marie Bruwer, Elizma Visser, Josephine Karelse, Ilse Schutte, Salóme Buys-Vermeulen, and Emma Bruwer. Through our private or custom tours, detailed at Wine Valley Safari’s VIP Voyage, we can arrange visits to all their wineries—Mont Blois, Olifantsberg, Robertson Winery, Bemind Wyne, Lozärn, and Springfield. 

These tailored experiences offer intimate tastings and insights into each winemaker’s unique approach, ensuring a personalised journey through the valley’s wine culture.

A Toast to Robertson’s Women Winemakers

As we raise a glass to Nina Marie Bruwer, Elizma Visser, Josephine Karelse, Ilse Schutte, Salóme Buys-Vermeulen, and Emma Bruwer, we’re celebrating their talent, resilience, and vision. 

These women have transformed the Robertson Wine Valley, crafting wines that capture its heart and soul. Join us at Wine Valley Safari on a private or custom tour to explore their stories and taste their creations. Here’s to the women of the vine—may their legacy continue to inspire and delight.