Michael Malan, a third-generation winemaker, has taken over as cellarmaster, leading Simonsig into a new era. He carries on the legacy of his father Johan and grandpa Frans, who founded Simonsig.
Michael takes on his new role ahead of this year’s grape harvest with Simonsig also having made two key appointments – Danna de Jongh and Frank Slabbert.
Cellarmaster Michael Malan
“Danna and Frank joined us towards the end of last year, which has given us good time to prepare ahead of harvest,” says Michael. “And, I’m very excited about the prospects. Every successful enterprise builds on the shoulders of giants, but also relies on developing new ideas. These changes take us down that road.”
The Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel, which marked its 50th anniversary in 2021, is credited as being the first Cap Classique ever manufactured in South Africa by Frans, Michael’s grandfather. It also marked the birth of the country’s Cap Classique category. But, while Kaapse Vonkel was conceived in 1971, Frans bottled the first wine, a Chenin Blanc, under the Simonsig label in 1968 which, in 2023, will be 55 years ago.
The most recent harvest at Simonsig began last week, and there is a lot of anticipation over the condition of the fruit. This was certainly the earliest start of harvest for us, as far as I can remember,” says Michael, who adds that a very dry, but healthy growing season promises excellent quality.
Frank Slabbert, Danna de Jongh, Michael Malan, Johan Malan
Both new appointees starting harvest on the estate are Nambia-born. Danna was raised on a farm, and, as has become tradition for many Namibian school-leavers, she embarked on studies in Germany. She completed a BSc in Viticulture and Oenology at Geisenheim University in Germany in 2016, and soon after joined Constantia Uitsig as assistant winemaker. A year later, she was promoted to winemaker and viticulturist.
Prior to joining the Simonsig team, Danna worked at Schloss Vaux in Germany, a premium sparkling wine producer in the Rheingau region that produces a wide range of German sparkling wines. She has also gained invaluable winemaking experience in Austria, Germany, Portugal, and the USA.
Frank spent the most of his school years in Stellenbosch despite being from South Africa’s northern neighbour, before beginning his studies at Elsenburg and Stellenbosch University. After earning a B. Agric degree, he worked at Constantia Glen, Muratie, and Eagle’s Nest in addition to participating in a harvest in New York.
Danna and Frank are boarding what may be described as a bullet-train of greatness as they go forward in their professions.
