Aiming to gain the viticultural experience required to make world-class wines he joined the Ridgeback team as viticulturist in 2000 where he gained a deep interest in soils and their effect on wine quality.

In 2006 Toit returned to Elsenburg with the viticultural confidence required and completed his winemaking Diploma as the top student of that year. In 2007 he started as Winemaker at Ridgeback Wines in the privileged position of making wines from the very vineyards which he and their highly experienced team had helped to plant. Toit is a firm believer in making wines true to his region, being alert to what is around him, interfering less in the cellar and focusing more on optimal manipulation of the vineyards.

The elegantly balanced nature of our wines has led to numerous Platinum, Double gold and gold medals being awarded to the cellar over the years as well as consecutive five-star awards in the Platter’s Wine Guide which rates our wines amongst the finest in the country.

After more than two decades at Ridgeback he remains steadfast in his quest for creating balanced wines expressing the unique character of the region.