Originally from the Strand, Truter finished his studies at the University of Stellenbosch in 2003 and worked in Australia, US and France for two years. He started his career in SA at Nederburg, in Paarl, where he worked as red winemaker until 2009 at which point he was selected to complete a master’s programme in viticulture and oenology in Europe.
The programme was based in France, Italy and Spain, where he gained great experience and travelled through the EU visiting wine producing regions. He completed his thesis in SA on viticultural practices. He returned to Nederburg as white winemaker in 2011 and then moved to Bergkelder in Stellenbosch in 2013, first as red winemaker and later as cellar master before joining KWV this month.
Truter said that a significant focus will be to find ways to engage with consumers so that the stories that are so part of the wines the wine team at KWV makes, are conveyed.
Truter says that being a winemaker is his dream job. “What’s not to love – the creativity, the variation – no two days are the same, getting to be outside in the vineyards, the pressure and teamwork in the winery. And, of course, getting to drink the most amazing wines.”
KWV global sales & marketing director De Bruyn Steenkamp said “Having worked with Wim before I have no doubt that he will become another Proud Pioneer for KWV.
“Moving forward our award winning team together with Wim will continue to experiment with new wine techniques, varietals and new terroir, in order for us to always stay on trend, fresh and innovative,” said Steenkamp.
KWV’s outgoing winemaker, Johann Fourie, who was named Diners Club winemaker of the year 2016, is moving into the boutique wine sector, becoming head winemaker at Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate to specialise in the production of patrician sparkling wine at the company’s SA and UK operations.
KWV wine brands include: Roodeberg, KWV, Laborie, Cathedral Cellar, and KWV The Mentors.
KWV was once again this year named as one of Drinks International’s The World’s Top 50 Most Admired Wine Brands for the fifth successive year and has further cemented its position as a leading international wine producer, with its 171 wine awards at both international and local competitions for 2016 so far. These include 24 trophies, 15 double gold, 34 gold, 62 silver, and 36 bronze medals.
