Du Toit ready for challenge
2009-06-11
THE newly appointed managing director of the prestigious Rhebokskloof Wine Estate outside Paarl, 45-year-old Anton du Toit, says his life has always revolved around his passion for wine. Du Toit was raised in Worcester, after which he studied Oenology and Viticulture at the University of Stellenbosch. He also completed their executive development programme. An impressive career path followed, ranging from wine-maker and buyer for KWV, Production Manager for Vinfruco, Marketing Manager and General Manager for Vinfruco, Marketing and Sales Executive for Company of Wine People, to CEO of Lourensford and Lanzerac Wines. Even today (as MD of Rhebokskloof) Du Toit still acts as International Marketing and Sales Executive for Lourensford and Lanzerac Wines. He was appointed at Rhebokskloof after one of the major shareholders of Asla (which owns the estate), approached him during 2008 to head the redevelopment of the estate. The beautiful scenery and surroundings of the Rhebokskloof Wine Estate, together with its potential to produce superior red wine from the Paarl region, is what sets the wine farm apart, says du Toit. His personal vision for the estate is that it will become the leading producer of quality wines in the Paarl region and also offer a unique lifestyle experience to all its customers. “There will be some major changes at Rhebokskloof during the next couple of months,” says Du Toit. “We are replanting most of the vineyards with the main focus on Shiraz, Shiraz blends and one of the other rare red varieties. “We will also produce certain wines that will only be available to our club members and at our cellar. Our focus in terms of white wines will be Chardonnay and MCC. “We are also upgrading facilities like the cellar, tasting room and lifestyle attractions, as well as our premises in general. Special wine and food pairings are being introduced and we’re planning food and wine theatres with selected artists and celebrities for the winter months. “The public can also look forward to regular live concerts, special winter meals next to the fire place, and a new second label to replace the current Rhebok one.” Anton and his wife Sumari, an entrepreneur who owns a coffee shop in Paarl, have one son (aged six) and one daughter (aged ten).
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