Meet the Makers: Elaine Conradie
Amidst the rolling vineyards of the Breedekloof Valley, a region renowned for its excellent Chenin Blanc wines, Elaine Conradie stands out as a dedicated winemaker and a passionate storyteller. Through every bottle she crafts, she shares a piece of her journey—a journey that took her from the classrooms of Elsenburg Agricultural College to the vineyards of Sonoma Valley and back to the heart of South Africa.
Elaine, a proud alumnus of Durbanville High School, found her calling in the world of wine at Elsenburg Agricultural College, where she pursued a B.Agric degree, wrapping it up in 2007. With a fire to learn more and an insatiable curiosity, she sought out experiences beyond her home soil. This thirst for knowledge led her to do harvests at the scenic Havana Hills in Philadelphia and even further afield in California's iconic Sonoma Valley in 2008.
The pull of home was strong, though, and Elaine returned to Elsenburg to further hone her craft with a certificate in Oenology. During this time, she also immersed herself in the workings of Koelenhof in Stellenbosch, drawing from the region's rich winemaking history.
From 2010 to 2013, Havana Hills again became her stomping grounds, after which she lent her expertise as an assistant winemaker at Teubes Family Wines in Vredendal. However, since November 2016, Elaine has been weaving her magic at Slanghoek Wine Cellar. And she didn't just settle in; she continued to expand her horizons with a harvest in Bordeaux in 2019.
When asked about her favourite wine from Slanghoek, without hesitation, she points to the 'Legends Barrel Fermented Chenin Blanc 2019'. "I might be a tad prejudiced, since this is the wine I am responsible for." But her description paints a vivid picture: "With its rounder structure and notes of dried apricots, lime, a hint of pineapple, and honeysuckle, it's the perfect accompaniment to a cosy fireplace and cheese platter." A wine she recommends not just for the seasoned palate but for anyone looking to savour a story of passion and dedication.
While her prowess in the vineyard is well known, Elaine has other talents that might surprise many. A self-professed occasional singer, especially after a glass or two of wine, she is known to belt out a song amongst her Breedekloof Makers family. Besides that, she finds solace in playing the guitar, always with a good glass of wine in hand, surrounded by friends.
Elaine Conradie is more than just an assistant winemaker at Slanghoek Wine Cellar; she's an embodiment of the region's spirit, a champion of its traditions, and above all, a storyteller par excellence, narrating tales of the land, the vines, and the magical wines they produce. And her story? Well, it's only just beginning.
