Cerina van Niekerk

Wine Maker

Trained concert pianist and winemaker Cerina van Niekerk was raised in Paarl, in the heart of the Cape Winelands, and obtained a Diploma in Oenology from Elsenburg Agricultural College in 1998. A fascination with the world of wine resulted in her working vintages in France, New Zealand, Australia and the USA before settling back in Paarl at the former Seidelberg Wine Estate as winemaker in 2003.

It is here that Cecilia Wines, named after the patron saint of musicians, was born. From 2010, an eight-year stint making wine at Olifants River created the opportunity to work with a handful of exceptional special old bush vineyards, which became the prime source of grapes for Cecilia Wines. In 2018 Cerina and her husband moved to Citrusdal, where he manages production for Piekenierskloof Wines. This opened up new possibilities for Cecilia Wines and saw the addition of her ‘sister’ range, Wind Band.

Through the music theme of Cecilia and Wind Band wines Cerina married two of her passions in life, music and wine. Proceeds from sales of her wines go to the Cecilia Foundation, a non-profit company that provides marginalised individuals with the benefits of music through the teaching of individual instruments and other educational projects.