Ridgeback Wines Welcomes New Cellar Master, Renier van Deventer
Ridgeback Wines is proud to announce the appointment of Renier van Deventer as its new Cellar Master, marking the start of an exciting new chapter for the estate.
Renier brings with him a wealth of experience, a deep respect for craftsmanship, and an enduring passion for producing wines of distinction that capture a true sense of place and purpose.
A New Chapter in the Ridgeback Story
At Ridgeback Wines, Renier steps into a role rich with legacy and alive with possibility. His appointment comes at a time of growth and renewed momentum, as the estate continues to expand its reach and deepen its reputation for producing wines of exceptional character.
He joins a passionate team dedicated to elevating the Ridgeback Wines experience, crafting wines that are bold yet balanced, expressive yet refined.
Renier’s philosophy aligns seamlessly with Ridgeback’s enduring values: that excellence begins in the vineyard and is perfected through patience, precision, and profound respect for nature’s rhythm.
From Stellenbosch to the World
Renier studied Viticulture and Oenology at Stellenbosch University, laying a solid foundation for a career that blends technical mastery with creative flair.
He began his journey at Neethlingshof Wine Estate in Stellenbosch before completing an internship at De Grendel, under the mentorship of acclaimed winemaker Charles Hopkins.
His pursuit of excellence soon took him abroad, completing harvests in California’s Napa Valley, Western Australia’s Margaret River, and New Zealand, where he served as Assistant Winemaker at Indevin, overseeing a record harvest of 35,000 tons.
Before joining Ridgeback Wines, Renier served as Cellar Master at Leopard’s Leap, where he led the production of an acclaimed portfolio that included the award-winning Leopard’s Leap Cabernet Sauvignon, named Best Value Red Wine of the Year at the 2024 Ultra Value Awards.
His experience spans elegant premium collections such as Culinaria and the innovative Natura de-alcoholised range, reflecting both versatility and vision.
Crafting the Next Chapter at Ridgeback
“As we look to the future, we are excited to see how Renier’s leadership will guide the evolution of our cellar, from the celebrated Ridgeback Cabernet Franc to the expressive Viognier, Chenin Blanc, Signature C, and The Journey,” said Derek Stanford, Managing Director of Ridgeback Wines.
“With his eye for detail and instinct for quality, we are confident that Ridgeback’s next vintages will continue to inspire, delight, and define what South African winemaking can be.”
Renier’s appointment bridges Ridgeback Wines’ proud heritage with a bold new chapter defined by craftsmanship, innovation, and the shared pursuit of excellence in every bottle.
About Ridgeback Wines
Nestled on the northern slopes of the Paarl-Limietberg Mountains, Ridgeback Wines rests on a 62-hectare estate in the heart of the Cape Winelands, with 35 hectares currently under vine.
Over the years, Ridgeback has earned numerous accolades , a reflection of talent, passion, and dedication:
- Cabernet Franc: Michelangelo Wine & Spirits Trophy winner, NWC Top 100 Red Wine of the Year, Platter’s 5-star, Cab Franc Challenge Kobie van Oord Trophy Champion Wine
- Signature C: 4× Platter’s 5-star awards in five vintages, Michelangelo Platinum
- The Journey: Multiple NWC Top 100 Platinum awards
- Viognier: 2× Platter’s 5-star awards and Michelangelo Double Gold , representing half of all Platter’s 5-star Viognier awards ever given
- Chenin Blanc: Multiple NWC Top 100 Platinum and Michelangelo Double Gold awards
Ridgeback was also crowned Champion Vineyard of the Region on three occasions during the annual Vinpro Viticultural Competition.
The name Ridgeback honours the tenacity, strength, and character of the Rhodesian Ridgeback dog , qualities reflected in every vineyard, vintage, and bottle.
With a vineyard philosophy rooted in respect for nature’s rhythm, careful canopy and soil management, and winemaking that balances precision with intuition, Ridgeback crafts wines that are expressive, refined, and true to their origin.
