The Durbanville Wine Valley is once again in mourning after the sudden passing of Wilhelm Coetzee, beloved red-winemaker of Durbanville Hills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He died of complications during an operation on Friday 12 September.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In a memorial tribute on its web page Durbanville Hills shared the news with “deep sorrow”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“A pillar of the Durbanville Hills family since 2008, Wilhelm\u2019s passion, precision and quiet brilliance shaped not only our wines but also the very heart of our cellar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Wilhelm joined Durbanville Hills as red-winemaker in 2008, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a deep love for the craft. His talent and dedication were evident in the many accolades his wines earned at prestigious local and international competitions. Each bottle he crafted reflected his meticulous attention to detail, his respect for the vineyard and his unwavering pursuit of excellence.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Before joining us Wilhelm served as cellar master and winemaker at Flagstone Winery for eight years. There, he played a pivotal role in building Flagstone\u2019s reputation both locally and abroad, with the winery consistently earning acclaim at major competitions. “Wilhelm\u2019s journey into wine began with a foundation in science. He studied analytical chemistry at Cape Technikon and worked at [defence- and military-equipment manufacturer] Denel as an analytical chemist. But it was his growing passion for wine that led him to pursue a BSc in viticulture and oenology at Stellenbosch University, a decision that would define the rest of his life. “He believed that great wine begins in the vineyard and was deeply involved throughout the growing and ripening seasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
“In the cellar he was known for his precision and care, often saying a winemaker can never check on the wines too often during vinification.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Outside winemaking Wilhelm was a man of many passions. He loved cooking, creating flavourful meals such as a succulent Karoo leg of lamb or a waterblommetjie bredie<\/em>. He found joy in nature, loved camping and spending time in the Kruger National Park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n “His pride would be evident when speaking about his children, often sharing stories and videos of tries scored on the rugby field or news from his daughter abroad. He was always grounded by the simple pleasures of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Wilhelm was more than a winemaker. He was a mentor, friend and gentle soul whose presence brought warmth and wisdom to all who knew him. His legacy lives on in the wines he crafted, the people he inspired and memories we hold dear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Our thoughts are with his wife, Elize, and the entire Coetzee family at this difficult time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “To Wilhelm, thank you for the richness you brought to our lives and our cellars. You will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The Durbanville Wine Valley is once again in mourning after the sudden passing of Wilhelm Coetzee, beloved red-winemaker of Durbanville Hills. 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