South Africa, Swartland

Tim trained at the University of Stellenbosch in viticulture and oenology with another of our new boys - Albert Van Niekerk. Having set up base at his uncle's beautiful farm in the heart of the Swartland, Tim shares cellar-space with some brilliant winemakers.

This is a fabulous microcosm of South Africa's incredibly collaborative wine scene today. Where independent, small-scale vignerons - young and old - work together, feeding off each other's experience and enthusiasm. Callie Louw from Porseleinberg and the towering Donovan Rall are neighbours and mentors here.

Tim is young, ambitious and talented and loves working alongside these highly respected winemakers. Tim's charm, enthusiasm and talent mean that he is already getting his hands on top-quality fruit from small parcels and contracting vineyards that make you swoon.

The aim here is to deliver expressive, fresh and nuanced wines that illustrate in the glass, the unique story of each site.

This means that in the cellar the wines are gently coaxed into life. Fermentations are spontaneous with no interventions, and Tim uses various vessels for the élevage including concrete, beautiful Stockinger casks and amphora too - depending on the variety and the vintage. Tim's vineyards are mostly Swartland, but he found the fresh climes of Ceres too hard to resist and also makes some Pinot Noir from fruit on this cool, high plain.