Durbanville Hills welcomes a dynamic new addition to its cellar team with the appointment of assistant winemaker Janeke Schroeder. Her arrival coincides with what is shaping up to be an exceptional vintage in the region.
Joining the team in late 2025, Schroeder brings a combination of technical skill, hands-on experience and a clear passion for crafting expressive, site-driven wines. Her first harvest with Durbanville Hills has already left a strong impression, both for its intensity and the quality of fruit delivered to the cellar.
“This harvest has been incredibly fulfilling. It entailed hard work, new challenges and so many small moments that reminded me why I chose winemaking,” she says. “The quality of the grapes we received this year has been exceptional and I truly believe the wines will reflect that.”
The 2026 harvest presented its own complexities, particularly around managing fermentation space during a high-quality intake, a challenge Schroeder embraced alongside the team.
“Because the quality was so strong, we did not want to compromise on anything. Every tank needed careful attention. The long days and constant monitoring were challenging, but absolutely worth it.”
Schroeder’s appointment brings notable depth to the Durbanville Hills winemaking team, underpinned by experience across both boutique and high-volume production. After completing a National Diploma in Viticulture and Oenology at Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), she joined Diemersdal Wine Estate in 2018, where she advanced from assistant winemaker to winemaker, refining her focus on white varietals and Cap Classique. She later expanded her technical scope at Leeuwenkuil Family Vineyards, gaining valuable exposure to large-scale production of white and rosé wines in a high-volume cellar environment.
Cellar master Pieter-Niel Rossouw says Schroeder’s appointment comes at an important time for the winery: “Janeke brings a great combination of energy, focus and technical understanding to the cellar. She is not afraid to get fully involved, and that hands-on approach makes a real difference during harvest. What stood out immediately was her instinct with the wines, and her ability to work with precision while still allowing the fruit to speak. She is a strong addition to the team at a time when quality really matters.”
This dual perspective has equipped Schroeder with a versatile and considered approach that aligns closely with Durbanville Hills’ focus on consistency, quality and regional expression.
For her, the current vintage has already shown signs of something special.
“There were times when I just knew that this is going to be a remarkable year. The aromatic intensity in the white cultivars showed early on, and the colour and depth in the reds have been beautiful. It felt like the season carried an extra energy.”
Now firmly part of the team, she highlights the collaborative culture within the cellar as a defining part of her experience so far.
“There is a great balance between guidance and the freedom to make your own decisions. It gives me confidence to be hands-on. The team brings a mix of expertise and humour. We know when it is serious, but there is always room to laugh. It makes the long hours lighter.”
Looking ahead, Schroeder is particularly excited about the potential of Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc from the 2026 vintage.
“The fruit is incredibly pure, with fantastic acidity and beautiful aromatic depth. I think we are going to see wines that are both fresh and texturally interesting.”
Outside of the cellar, she gravitates naturally to the coast, spending time with her husband, family and friends, often on the West Coast where long beach walks and sundowners form part of her downtime. A devoted Cap Classique enthusiast, she embraces every opportunity to celebrate life’s moments, always with a glass in hand, good music playing and a generous cheese board to share.
