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    Winemaker

    Jean Smit

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    Winemaker
    Portrait of Jean Smit

    Portrait of Jean Smit

    i. Biography

    Jean Smit is the winemaker of Damascene in Elgin. His language for the project is direct: “The idea behind Damascene is getting an epiphany or a damascene moment.” Before this role, he made wine at Boekenhoutskloof and Rustenberg.

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    The Essentials - Current role: winemaker at the Elgin cellar. - Career history: winemaker at Boekenhoutskloof; winemaker at Rustenberg. - Craft note: “The Damascene cellar is a physical extension of our aspirations to communicate place through wine.” - Voice: “I wanted people to come on a journey with me, with wine.”

    Signature

    Jean's signature wines include Damascene Swartland Chenin Blanc 2023 and Damascene Stellenbosch Chenin Blanc 2023.

    In Their Words “The Damascene cellar is a physical extension of our aspirations to communicate place through wine.” “The idea behind Damascene is getting an epiphany or a damascene moment.”

    ii

    FAQ

    Asked of Jean

    • What is Jean Smit known for?

      Jean Smit is known for his work as a winemaker.

    • Where does Jean Smit work?

      He works at Damascene in Elgin.

    • Who is Jean Smit?

      He is a winemaker whose career includes Boekenhoutskloof, Rustenberg, and Damascene.

    The Sunday email

    Read about winemakers like Jean Smit in the Sunday email.

    Every Sunday we send a lead story and up to four more about the chefs, winemakers, sommeliers and hoteliers behind the restaurants, bars, wineries and hotels we cover.

    See a sample of the Sunday email

    Free. One email a week, and you can unsubscribe from any issue.