Celebrating Women Wine Producers

Kiara’s journey began in 1993, when she entered the world in the vibrant city of Cape Town. Growing up in the Cape Flats area, she developed a deep-rooted connection with her surroundings and a passion for the land.

As she reached adulthood, Kiara’s fascination with the art of winemaking led her to pursue a formal education in viticulture and oenology. She enrolled at the renowned Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute in Stellenbosch, where she immersed herself in the intricacies of grape cultivation and wine production.

It was during her time at Elsenburg that Kiara’s exceptional talent and unwavering dedication caught the attention of the prestigious Cape Winemakers Guild (CWG) Protégé Programme. The program, known for nurturing emerging winemaking talent, recognized Kiara as a rising star in the industry.

Fate had a plan for Kiara when she crossed paths with Duncan Savage, a renowned winemaker and cellar master of Savage Wines. Duncan, known for his discerning eye and impeccable taste, saw something extraordinary in Kiara. Impressed by her ability and unwavering passion, he made the bold decision to appoint her as his assistant winemaker at Brookdale Estate.

At Brookdale, nestled amidst the breathtaking beauty of South Africa’s wine country, Duncan and Kiara embarked on a journey to create something truly remarkable. Together, they poured their hearts and souls into the maiden vintage of the Brookdale Chenin Blanc 2017.

This exquisite wine was a testament to their combined expertise and shared vision. It breathed life into Brookdale Estate, establishing its name as a producer of elegant wines with a distinct character that captured the essence of the Cape.

The success of their collaboration was undeniable, and Kiara’s talent shone brightly under Duncan’s guidance. Her natural intuition and meticulous attention to detail set her apart, making her an invaluable asset to the winemaking team.

In 2019, at the tender age of 26, Kiara’s journey took an unexpected turn. Duncan, recognizing her unparalleled skill and unwavering commitment, bestowed upon her the title of sole winemaker at Brookdale Estate. This prestigious appointment made her the youngest female head winemaker in all of South Africa.

With her newfound position came great responsibility, but Kiara was more than ready to take on the challenge. She embraced it with grace and determination, determined to carry on the legacy they had built together.

As Kiara embarked on this new chapter of her life, she knew that her journey had only just begun. With every harvest, she continued to push the boundaries of winemaking, crafting wines that were a testament to her passion and unwavering pursuit of excellence.

Her story serves as an inspiration to young winemakers everywhere, a reminder that dreams can be achieved with hard work, dedication, and a touch of fate. Kiara’s journey from the humble Cape Flats to becoming a trailblazing winemaker showcases the transformative power of following one’s passion and believing in oneself.

Kiara Scott was the youngest female Head Winemaker in South Africa at the age of 26. Read Jancis Robinson’s full article here.

More recently, their 2020 Chenin Blanc single Vineyard 2020 was crowned the 2022 Trophy Winner for the Best Old Vine Wine in South Africa’s most prestigious wine competition, The Trophy Wine Show!

This award came closely after the same 2020 Chenin Blanc being awarded a Gold scoring by the Decanter World Wine Awards.

 

NOW LOOK AT HER SHINE!!

Credit to: Wijn Bar