Pieter de Waal, together with his brother Wouter, own Vinotage D O O – a company registered in Slovenia and acting in the fields of wine tourism and vacation property management. The brothers also purchased a small wine farm in the North East of Slovenia bordering on Croatia in an area known as Prlekija (see here for an article on how this all came about): https://www.farmersweekly.co.za/agri-business/agribusinesses/why-a-cape-winemaker-bought-a-vineyard-in-slovenia/
The brothers regularly visit Slovenia and surrounding countries to explore and share its secrets with adventurers, cyclists, Nordic walkers, wine tasters, winemakers, nature lovers, spa relaxers and anyone else interested this most amazing little country.
Pieter is also the owner and winemaker of Hermit on the Hill Wines and Mount Abora Wines and is described by the Platter Guide as “stubborn as an ox and ornery as an ostrich – and he only makes wine when he has the time and inspiration.”
After dabbling in the dark arts of economics and attaining an MBA at the University of Stellenbosch, he started pursuing his career in wine. It all started with running a wine shop, Vinotage, in the Northern Suburbs of Cape Town, after which he had the opportunity to assist Mark Savage MW in his wine import, export and distribution business in the United Kingdom. At the same time he completed the Advanced Certificate at the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET) in London. After this he returned to South Africa to head up Paarl Vintners, followed by a stint of marketing the Durbanville Wine Valley.
Hermit on the Hill Wines were launched with a maiden vintage 2000 Syrah made in conjunction with Clive Kerr of Coleraine Wines, and the range has since grown to include Syrah, Pinot Noir, Grenache as well as a number of red and white blends.
Before getting married to Lohra, a boutique winemaker in her own right as well as Pilates instructress, health coach and Nordic Walking instructor – www.healthydays.co.za & www.southpole.co.za
Before purchasing the little “vikend” holiday farm in Slovenia, Pieter regularly worked the harvest in the South of France with university buddy, Ciaran Rooney.
He is a registered tourist guide specialising in wine tourism, and also a shareholder in Mount Abora Vineyards.