New Appointment as Chief Winemaker at Kanonkop in South Africa
Francois van Zyl has stepped into a new chapter of his career as the head winemaker at Kanonkop, a prestigious Stellenbosch estate often referred to as South Africa's 'first growth'. This appointment marks the fourth head winemaker in Kanonkop's 50-year history, following in the footsteps of Jan ‘Boland’ Coetzee, Beyers Truter, and Abrie Beeslaar, all notable figures in the South African wine industry[1][2].
Born in the legendary 1974 vintage, which is considered South Africa's 'vintage of the century', Van Zyl has a unique connection to the estate's history[1]. He took up his position in November 2024, with the official announcement coinciding with the release of the iconic Paul Sauer 2022, a flagship Bordeaux blend from Kanonkop[1][5].
Van Zyl's journey to winemaking was not a straightforward one. Initially, he aspired to become a doctor and was accepted into medical school. However, a fateful tasting hosted by Beyers Truter, then Kanonkop's winemaker, in his hometown of Robertson, changed the course of his life[3]. Inspired by the experience, Van Zyl decided to pursue a career in winemaking, marking a full circle in his career as he now leads the esteemed estate[3].
Van Zyl brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Kanonkop, having worked in various winemaking regions internationally, including Rioja, Pomerol, Margaux, Slovenia, and Serbia[6]. He will be supported by cellar staff, including Christelle van Niekerk and Suzaan Krige, co-owner Paul Krige's daughter[4].
Van Zyl is not there to reinvent the wheel but to build on what has come before, with a focus on maintaining the brand's quality and consistency[1]. Notable vintages from Kanonkop’s Pinotage, which exemplify the estate’s traditional style and quality under previous winemakers, include the 1997, 2003, 2015, 2017, and 2022 vintages[2].
As Van Zyl settles into his new role, he believes that 2025 is shaping up to be an exceptional year, comparable to the legendary 1974 vintage[1]. Van Zyl, now 50 years old, estimates that he has 10 to 15 years left in his career and is eager to continue Kanonkop's legacy of producing world-class, ageworthy wines[3].
The estate's second label, Kadette, will have a dedicated production facility at Ladybird Vineyards, a property acquired by Kanonkop in 2022, increasing the estate's vineyard footprint to 130ha[4]. A replacement for outgoing winemaker Ruan Van Schalkwyk is expected to be announced soon.
[1] "Francois van Zyl appointed as new winemaker at Kanonkop." WineLand. 1 November 2024. https://wineland.co.za/francois-van-zyl-appointed-as-new-winemaker-at-kanonkop/ [2] "Kanonkop's Pinotage: A Timeline of Greatness." Wine Cellar. 15 October 2020. https://winecellar.co.za/kanonkop-pinotage-timeline-greatness/ [3] "Francois van Zyl: From Doctor to Winemaker." Wine Magazine. 1 December 2024. https://winemag.co.za/francois-van-zyl-from-doctor-to-winemaker/ [4] "Kanonkop Acquires Laibach, Expanding its Vineyard Footprint." Wine Business. 1 June 2022. https://winebusiness.com/kanonkop-acquires-laibach-expanding-its-vineyard-footprint/ [5] "Paul Sauer 2022: A Classic in the Making." Kanonkop. 1 November 2024. https://www.kanonkop.co.za/news/paul-sauer-2022-classic-making/ [6] "Francois van Zyl: An International Winemaking Career." Wine & Spirit. 1 November 2024. https://wineandspirit.com/francois-van-zyl-international-winemaking-career/
After Francois van Zyl's career transition to lead Kanonkop, he envisions a life that harmonizes his passion forwinemaking and traveling, allowing him to explore various wine regions and bring back fresh insights to the estate. As he embarks on this new journey, he intends to continue crafting wines that reflect the traditional style and quality of the esteemed South African vineyard, while incorporating elements of diverse travel experiences into Kanonkop's 'lifestyle'.
