Wynand Grobler

Coming Up

Training for Cape wine work came through Grey College and Stellenbosch University/Universiteit Stellenbosch (2005), with cellar and market exposure established early at Rust & Vrede Wine Estate (2002–2004), where Wynand Grobler worked as cellar and Sales Assistant. The next stage moved into production at Ernie Els Wines (2005–2007), followed by the combined winemaker, General Manager role at Rickety Bridge Winery in Franschhoek (2007–2018). International harvest work added cellar perspective across several sites and teams: Visiting Winemaker roles at Domaine Gayda (2009), Domaine David Dubain (2010), Domaine Bruno Lorenzon (2010), and Uwe Schieffer Weinbau (2011). The current post is winemaker of De Kleine Wijn Koöp, a role Wynand has held since 2012.

Where They Are Now

The De Kleine Wijn Koöp role has placed Wynand Grobler in a cellar context where the working brief is not fixed. His own wording is plain about that posture: "We are rewriting the rulebooks! Anything is possible, nothing is set in stone and to be involved in an ever evolving and exciting industry gets and keeps me going!" The clearest stated reference point is Foundation Stone, described by Wynand as: "It has to be the Foundation Stone – it is a wine that is made old school; whole bunch & natural ferments with no outside influence, terroir in a bottle, as pure as it gets!"

Career - Winemaker — De Kleine Wijn Koöp (2012–present) - Cellar and Sales Assistant — Rust & Vrede Wine Estate (2002–2004) - Wine Maker — Ernie Els Wines (2005–2007) - Winemaker, General Manager — Rickety Bridge Winery, Franschhoek (2007–2018) - Visiting Winemaker — Domaine Gayda (2009) - Visiting Winemaker — Domaine David Dubain (2010) - Visiting Winemaker — Domaine Bruno Lorenzon (2010) - Visiting Winemaker — Uwe Schieffer Weinbau (2011) Education: Grey College; Stellenbosch University/Universiteit Stellenbosch; Stellenbosch University/Universiteit Stellenbosch

Signature

The signature set attached to Wynand Grobler’s work includes Foundation Stone, Rickety Bridge Sauvignon Blanc 2008, Rickety Bridge Shiraz Rosé 2008, The Bridge Cabernet Sauvignon, and Paulina’s Reserve.

In Their Words “It has to be the Foundation Stone – it is a wine that is made old school; whole bunch & natural ferments with no outside influence, terroir in a bottle, as pure as it gets!” “We are rewriting the rulebooks! Anything is possible, nothing is set in stone and to be involved in an ever evolving and exciting industry gets and keeps me going!”

Honors

No honors are included in the approved facts.

FAQ What is Wynand Grobler's current role? As of 2026, Wynand Grobler is Winemaker at De Kleine Wijn Koöp. Where did Wynand Grobler train or study? Wynand Grobler trained at Grey College and Stellenbosch University/Universiteit Stellenbosch.