PAARL – After more than two decades of shaping wines, traditions and experiences at Windmeul Cellar, cellar master Danie Marais closed his final chapter at the Paarl winery at the end of September.

Marais joined Windmeul in late 1999, drawn by the opportunity to work with high-potential grapes from the Swartland and Paarl regions. At the time, a well-known wine writer described the cellar as one of the region’s best-kept secrets, with limited recognition for its bottled wines.

“It has been an absolute privilege for me to be part of the Windmeul Cellar team over the past 26 years,” Marais said, reflecting on his time at the cellar.

Building a reputation for quality

The cellar’s bottled wine range grew steadily during Marais’s tenure, earning numerous awards and helping establish Windmeul’s reputation across South Africa’s wine industry.

“The range of wines we currently sell has been continuously built with a major focus on Chenin Blanc and Pinotage,” Marais explained.

The winemaking team maintained a strong focus on quality throughout this period, from block-specific grape intake to strategic equipment investment and dedicated cellar work.

Major infrastructure changes arrived in the early 2000s. Between 2003 and 2005, the winery invested heavily to accommodate increased red grape production and expand processing capacity. The opening of Windmeul’s wine centre in 2006 marked another turning point, changing the cellar’s image and creating new business opportunities.

Marais introduced Firsty Thirsty in 2015 after recognising enthusiasm for young, fresh and fruit-forward wines at the Om-die-Berg Festival. The Firsty Thirsty Chenin Blanc has since become a successful part of Windmeul’s offering.

While the bottled wine range developed, Marais stressed the importance of Windmeul’s bulk wine business and long-standing customer relationships.

“The largest portion of Windmeul Cellar’s turnover is earned through high-quality bulk wine produced for specific brands. The good relationships built with clients over many years play a critical role in the cellar’s success. Heineken, one of South Africa’s largest wine wholesalers, has made a valuable contribution to Windmeul Cellar’s success over the years. The role of the board, members and staff is also very important to successfully manage a producer cellar,” he said.

When reflecting on the greatest highlights of his career, Marais does not single out a particular wine, award or vintage. Instead, he points to the cellar’s continued stability and its ability to remain competitive for its members and producers.

More than just wine

Marais played a key role in developing the Windmeul grounds into a destination where wine, food and community come together.

He helped establish the Windmeul Farmers Market in November 2009, which has become a much-loved monthly event. This provided the natural setting for another initiative close to his heart: the Waterblommetjie Festival.

Inspired by his family’s love for waterblommetjie potjie, the festival grew from an existing potjiekos competition. What started as a decision to focus on one traditional local ingredient developed into an annual celebration of waterblommetjies, local food, wine and community. The festival celebrated its 16th edition in September 2024.

Ou Meul Bakery’s arrival on the Windmeul grounds created another meaningful connection. Windmeul Cellar takes its name from a windmill that once stood nearby, grinding wheat into flour for baking bread. The bakery brought part of the area’s history back to life while giving visitors another reason to spend time at the cellar.

Together, these developments helped shape Windmeul into more than a working wine cellar, creating a welcoming destination for visitors to experience the food, wine and traditions of the Paarl Winelands.

A living legacy

Just before his retirement, Marais marked one of his final days at Windmeul by planting 17 trees across the grounds during September. The development of these grounds has always been close to his heart.

In his own words, it was “the cherry on top” after 26 years at Windmeul.

When asked what he will miss most, Marais spoke about the excitement of a new season, harvest planning and the unique challenges each year brings. He also mentioned something harder to describe unless you have spent your life around a working wine cellar: the smell of the fermenting cellar.

“It’s not something you can create, it’s just in the cellar – and it’s special,” he said.

Looking forward

Marais looks forward to spending more time with his wife Zenda, their children and grandchildren during retirement. He can now plan fishing trips to Namibia around the best time of year, rather than harvest season.

“I believe there is still potential to further establish the range and expose more clients to it,” he said, expressing confidence in Windmeul’s future.

Reflecting on his 42-year career, Marais thanked those who supported him along the way.

“I would like to conclude by thanking the board, members, staff and clients of Windmeul Cellar for their support over the past 26 years. A special word of thanks to my wife Zenda and our entire family for their continuous support, not only during my time at Windmeul Cellar, but throughout my entire 42-year career,” he said.

After 26 years of dedication, change, challenges, harvests and memorable moments, Windmeul Cellar extends its sincere thanks to Marais for the contribution he has made to the cellar and its story. His influence shows in the wines, the cellar, the wine centre, the traditions and experiences that have grown around Windmeul, and even in the trees that will continue to grow on its grounds.

ALSO READ: Three venues, one delicious waterblommetjie celebration in the Boland