Zonnebloem has a new cellar master – award-winning wine-maker, Deon Boshoff. Malu Lambert chats to him about his new position and hopes for the future.

How do you feel about your new position?
I’m very excited. It’s a huge challenge, but I know I can handle it.

What are your plans for the future?
To do my job to the absolute best of my ability, to keep growing in my career and to see my family prosper.

What is the best part of your job?
Being involved in the winemaking process from the very beginning in the vineyards to the end when the wine is bottled.

And the worst?
For now it’s getting used to being in the office more and not in the cellar where the action is.

Have you had any embarrassing moments?
Not really. Once I arrived an hour-and-a-half hour late for a tasting I had to present in Joburg. And the venue was just 15 minutes from the hotel. I got horribly lost.

Have you always wanted to be a winemaker? 
From the very minute I heard about winemaking I wanted to be a winemaker.

Deon is married to Josey and has two daughters – Jay-Dee, five, and Caitlin, two. The family lives in Strand. Deon loves taking his girls to the beach on weekends.